Hi Paul:
Yeah, we don't have eyes in the back of our heads, do we. Usually, our self perception is probably diiferent than how others perceive us (good or bad). It would be interesting to somehow do a comparison.
Regards, Barry
Understanding the type of instructor one projects is a great starting poing for preparing yourself for the classroom. I can see how I have moved through different types as my experience teaching in the classroom has grown and developed.
I will adopt "Be early, be organized and be prepared" as my classrom mantra.
I really appreciated the types of instructors and could see myself in a couple of different styles. It would be interesting to ask other instructors what they think my type is compared to what I think.
I am the measure by which all things weigh. Whether or not I have awareness of an attitude, a habitual reaction, or an inclination toward a bias, I have but one and only one viewpoint on "reality." By this I mean the subjective perspective is the only one I have and if, as an instructional leader I hope to understand the needs and perspectives of my students I must first have clarity on my own. This is by no means an easy task nor would I consider it a one time event. Seeking to understand myself would also necessitate needing to understand myself in relationship to the context of my environment i.e. clasroomvs. living room. How I think and behave will be noticed. Also as a role model, both as a professional member of my community and as an educator of professionals my attitude and behavior directly impacts the success of the students. For me it is difficult to imagine how it would be possible to ignore self-inquiry.
Hi Delores:
You emphasize the importance and value of visual learners, and so will your students.
Regards, Barry
I also like this idea. It's easier to remember the "blue sheet" or "yellow sheet" to refer to different classromm material.
Hi Rob:
Thats great. It's terrfic that you found a way to improve on a personal trait that you'll be able to use in your classroom and that'll result in improved student outcomes.
Regards, Barry
Knowing ourselves and our instructional type is important so we can use our strengths and improve our weaknesses. The second part is more important. It's too easy to fall in a rut using our strengths and never grow. Even if we're a great, dynamic story teller, stories can become boring after a while.
My student evaluations say I am very helpful and good at demonstrations, but not so interesting with the lectures. I was inspired by my last course (ED103) to use questioning to keep the lectures more interesting and the students more engaged in learning. The response and improvement so far has been great.
Hi Desiree:
Great preparation and commitment to making a good first impression. It's interesting how something simple like colored paper for handouts can brighten a topic or printed information, isn't it.
Regards, Barry
I really liked the idea of using different colors of paper for handouts. I was thinging back to when I was a student and I had wishes one of my instructors had used some of the usefull tips in this lesson. I also try to be the first one into the classroom, to make the class room is neat and appealing to the eye. Lastly I always put a time line on the board so during long classes student know what is coming next during the lesson.
Hi Peter:
Great! Knowing yourself, your strengths and weaker areas, and being willing to adapt makes us all better at being teachers.
Regards, Barry
You must be aware of your own personality..how you react to different situations,different stimulus',basically what makes you tick;to be an effective communicator to your students.This will also bring consistency to the class,something the students need to see.
It is important for you to have an understanding of yourself as an instructional leader so that you can work on your weaknesses and run with your strengths.
Hi Ryan:
True - what we know about ourselves helps us be our best selves. Hopefully that translates to better student encounters, engagement, and learning outcomes.
Regards, Barry
If I understand my own strengths and weaknesses I am better able to use my strengths in my presentations and improve on my weak areas. I also find that truly knowing yourself allows you to better understand others and their learning needs.
Hi Leslie:
Getting to that student trust level is sometimes arduous, but awesome when attained. Good job!.
Regards, Barry
Hi William:
Wow - so important! Control of temper and emotions can turn an ordinary class day into a regrettable experience for all concerned. Yes, self control is an attribute of experienced instructors in touch with their emotions.
Regards, Barry
I believe that understanding yourself shows to students that the instructor is confident in his material, knowledge and means of instruction. Being 80% Learn by Doing and 20% Zen Style instructor, this has proven to me that I get positive results from student and evaluations but also students trust me on my observations whether positive or negative, on their work in my class and future classes
understanding yourself helps to keep you on an even keel when your emotions start to interfere with keeping a professional attitude. Some students will test your ability to be professional in a classroom or lab. If you are going to do a great job of teaching, you must be able to first learn to have self control in all situations.
Hi Thomas:
Great. The first step towards improvement is awreness of the need. And believe me, most all of us can use improvement is some area of our personal and professional lives.
Regards, Barry
