Hi Lin:
Self evaluation and realization of personal strengths and weaknesses when considered in a serious manner usually lead to improved instructor performance. Thanks for sharing some attributes about yourself with the forum.
Regards, Barry
Actually i did realize that my personality is one of the important factor when i taught the class in U.S. since 5 years ago. There are big different about culture influence, education style between U.S. and Asian regions. Now, i have changed my teaching style a lot which will make students are easier to adapt or feel not hard to follow up, such as i don't give students STRICT feed back which they may feel harsh in U.S. by replaced with encouraging and confirming what they have been done and give them my feed back or suggestion following. I belive that changes really make be become a better instructor and class leader.
Hi Albert:
Good thoughts about the importance and power of a passionate teacher. Thanks for sharing your personal insights.
Regards, Barry
The key is to be organized so your material is delivered in the time aloted. That being said, one must value the organizational part. Why? If you are as passionate as I am, you will be able to deliver the content with accuracy and a passion that can enliven most any learning environment. Your audience is passionate, hopefully that is why they are there. Learning and discovery go hand in hand. As a student it is hard enough to have excited energy and desire when your instructor is organized. Imagine if their example is not organized and delivered in a choppy manner...
Hi Kris:
Good self evaluation. Thanks for sharing.
Regards, Barry
It is one of the most valuable tools that we have. If we do not understand our strengths and our weaknesses, it would be hard for us to know what we can teach/lead and what things we need help with to teach/lead. Also, we need to be able to understand that our weaknesses are areas to improve/educate ourselves in, which makes us better educators/leaders in our field.
Kris
Hi Kenneth:
It's good to be aware of our personalities and perceptions we convey to students. Better is the willingness to be flexible or open regarding adapting when what we usually do isn't working as planned. That better defines a mature, balanced instructor. Good for you!
Regards, Barry
I have had numerous instructors and noted the different personalities. I found that each personality can bring a different approach to reach students. Knowing my teaching personality type allows me to effectively instruct and manage my classroom. In observing other instructors, I am trying to utilize their type when faced with classroom situations outside of my comfort zone.
Hi Gary:
I think people like order, even if it comes in the form of a teacher giving assignments or directions. Order helps establish waht is expected. Clearer expectations leads to better student outcomes.
Regards, Barry
It is a good idea to start the class on time and in an orderly manner. I also like the part on using color paper for the handouts.
Hi James:
Excellent tenets. I would comment that students can be unfair, subjective, and just plain mean spirited. So, even if I am giving my best, occasionaly I'll have a student that is unable or unwilling to accept my kindness, helpfullness, and interest in their success. But on the whole, most do.
Regards, Barry
I have to agree with most everyone's comments concerning image protrayal management, it is important to consider how you as an instructional leader are being percieved. I believe though that there is another caveat to consider; "Do I trust myself enough to know that through self knowledge and personal inquiry I will be able to move forward with confidence knowing that a 'mistake' may be made. Do I also trust myself to take ownership on a developmental level of a mistake I may make and be willing to agressively seek to learn, grow and improve from the experience." A student may not always like us, they may not always want what we offer, but they will generally respect anyone that has Integrity. In short I think that personal developement must also include the developement of a virtuous character.
Hi Anthony:
Right - it's important to remember there are likely to be various learning styles and levels in any given class. Doing our best to accomodate the bulk of the class should be strived for.
Regards, Barry
Hi Francis:
I think you are describing the "aret" part of the art and science of teaching. Also, the more natural an instructor is I think the approachable by students they'll be.
Regards, Barry
Hi Charles:
It's good if you can do an accurate self check - not everyone can. I do think there are basic check points an instructor can use each day to be sure they are on track.
Regards, Barry
It’s important to know yourself as an instructional leader.
You focus on healthy Teaching habits and let go of the unhealthy ones.
I try to always to a self check daily on how I am doing.
This keeps me at my best in the classroom.
When you can understand yourself as an instructor you will understand the image you portray to your students. Not all teaching is done through you speaking and them listening. Body language, actions nonverbasl emotions all portay you as somone to be taken either seriously or somone the students feel they can just take lightly. Consequently these actions also give the idea to the students of how approachable you are to them. Are you the kind of instructor the students can come to and talk about things with or are you somone they feel better off to keep it to themselves. I like to think of myself as approachable with mast any problem they may have so I can steer them in the right direction to get the help they need.
One of the things I think it can help is how you will get the information accross to the students learning styles and how would normally react to different situations that could arise.
Hi Francis:
Great. Not all instructors are willing to be self aware and willing to make adjustments to their style, delivery, manner, or approach to their classes. Good for you.
Regards, Barry
If you can see yourself as the instructional leader you can also see yourself sitting there listening to you as the instructor. Having a mirror thought about what you are saying and how it is being delivered is important to finding what works, how can I improve upon it and what else could I be doing.
