Whats in it for me?
I never ask whats in it for me! I want to know how it will effect my students and my overall program first! We should only wants what best for everybody especially the student.
Agreed, the best interest of the student should be the first priority.
Julie,
The "real life examples" position or students for success much more easily that do theoretical concepts.
Jeffrey Schillinger
I also believe that not only do students learn course material in my class, but they will also learn from life experiences and 'real-life' examples given to them.
When I teach I don't want to know what i'm going to get out of it either. I feel good knowing that I am able to positivly impact the life of someone else in a way that will encourage & help them.
I like to answer 'what's in it for me?' with 'the satisfaction of a job well done'. That answer prooves itself with the success of my students.
whats in it for me is that "light bulb" moment. If at the end of the day at leaast one student can overcome their muddiest point then I am ok. If I'm not effective and don't or can't get any satisfaction from teaching this course then I'm not where I need to be.
whats in it for me is that "light bulb" moment. If at the end of the day at leaast one student can overcome their muddiest point then I am ok. If I'm not effective and don't or can't get any satisfaction from teaching this course then I'm not where I need to be.
"What's in it for me?" is generally a very subconscious awareness within the teaching profession. WIIFM is part of the human condition. Many great teachers do not consciously think about this. They just live and thrive on the excitement that students may show about a particular topic, activity or even a test score. When I am told by a student how much they are getting out of one of my classes, it lets me know that I've made good career choices.
I think even Mother Theresa had WIIFM going on subconsciously. Most humans just want to make some kind of difference. M.T. would be one of the greats!
In conclusion, perhaps teachers do a "What's in it for THEM?" rather than WIIFM. It's like they are congruent for a good teacher.
In most cases it's not the monitary aspect of the job it's the level of gradification you feel when a student learns from your experience the skills and they need to succeed in the real world. This is the self forefillment,the what's in it from me.
Exactly. When I plan a lecture, exam, project, whatever it may be, the students need to come first in that planning.
I constantly ask what is in it for me. By asking WIIFM, I am able to evaluate why I am an instructor and make sure what I want to accomplish is in line with the school's and student's goals.
Jennifer,
Nice post. Teachers need to find the things that are in it it for them in order to maintain the high level of motivation needed to serve our students effectively.
Jeffrey Schillinger
I decided to do this job having never asked that question, but it didn't take long for me to know the answer to it. I get a feeling of satisfaction and pride every time another grad finds his/her success. That is exactly what is in it for me.
This is a great story, Eric. Thanks for sharing it.
I recommend yoy get the school to spring for dinner for these former students and have them talk to your current students about doing things the right way. It may be a great investment!
Seeing my students being successful in their careers. I recently became aware of some of our program's graduates, now working for a local dealership, being voted the best service team in America. How cool is that! Did I ask for this? No. I teach my program to the best of my ability and expect the students to learn and perform the best that they can. Some achieve their goals easily, others need more attention. I don't just teach them to pass my class, I teach them to be sucessful in life.
