I know my strengths and how to play off them. I realize that I am constantly evolving as an instructor. If something worked with a previous class, I keep it. If something didn't, I try to tweak it. I also have a very diverse background. Millitary, industry and other hobbies and interests. I have many angles that I can use, varies with each class.
I read through the different types of instructors and realized I'm sometimes all of them. I "feed" off of the class and try to act off what I think they need. Sometimes we need a "Drill Sgt." to take charge, sometimes a "Zen Master". By not "pigeon-holing" myself, I keep the students guessing. We have fun, but we learn. That's the important thing.
I need to know my weak areas so I can improve them.
Hi Thomas:
Great points, all. Really, I can't add much to your comment except that many instructors are unwilling or unable to adapt, be flexible, and relate each students needs.
Regards, Barry
Hi Karl:
Good point. Students are able to sense when an instructor is uncomfortable for whatever reason. That could also be translated by some students who take it personnaly which of course may lead to them not performing as well as they could.
When we are ourselves, we tend to remove interpersonal barriers, and most students prefer to relate to "just plain folks" rather than someone who conveys aloofness or superiority.
Regards, Barry
Every individual has a unique personality that is distinctly owned by the individual. If an instructor comes in and tries to emulate the personality of another it will be detected as being unoriginal by the audience(students) and ultimately lead to the destruction of his or her credibility. Therefore it is important for an instructor to commandeer their strengths and develop their weaknesses in order to utilize their personality to create a mentally stimulating learning environment.
If you don't be yourself your students will be able to tell.You'll show nervousness,you could get in situations that you won't be able to handle.So I always try to be "me", students realize that I'm a Automotive Technician and a experiance one at that,so I speak with a Tech. to learning Tech. attitude and they seem to relate and feel more comfortable in the classroom.
Hi Jason:
Great! Passion and enthusiasm seem to go hand in hand. Just about everyone is more responsive in an upbeat, positive environment. As instructors, we can create and control that environment. Success is more likely in this setting.
Regards, Barry
Hi Ann:
Good self introspection and self evaluation. I think good instructors are willing to be open and honest with their strengths and areas needing improvement. Then, look for opportunities to become stronger.
Providing leadersghip is among the roles That doesn't mean instructors can't be humble. That's a good role model as important as any.
Regards, Barry
Hi Morgan:
Good. You've got a handle on where you're at and what areas you may need to improve on.
Regards, Barry
To know yourself allows you to to be more effective at what you do. Instructing allows me to show my passion in my area of my expertise. I create an enthusiastic enviornment that the students will see and feel. This allows the students to be more receptive to the learning process. I am aware of the different styles of learning that I will encounter, so I have adjusted myself through introspection. I will be able to meet adversity head on and be succesful.
It is certainly important to have an understanding of yourself as the instructional leader, but not because you are simply the "leader," but rather because as the instructor you are also the facilitator of discussion, the authority figure, and a learner right along with the other students. Instructors should understand their weaknesses and strengths just as we ask our students to learn their strengths and weaknesses. This helps me each time I go to plan a lesson. I think about the teachers that I had in college, what caught my attention, what didn't, etc. Understanding my own learning habits helps me prepare a classroom for diversified learners.
*Gives you more confidence
*You can direct others better
*I will understand my strong points and my weak point to work on
Hi Joe:
Good. I see two component to this. One is the willingness to self analyze oneself. The other is being willing to possibly change or modify the approach or delivery. Many instructors are reluctant to vary how they do things, even if they are shown alternative methods that have proven successful.
Regards, Barry
Understanding your personality definately helps identify strengths and weaknesses. We use several different inidcators such as Meyers-Briggs to develop an assesment of our faculty. Trained mentors then discuss the results and suggest ways to captalize on strengths and improve weak areas.
Hi Armondo:
Yes - our mission and comission as instructors is to provide the best instruction in the most efficient manner that relates to the learning styles of all the students. Methods and techniques that follow these tenets will contribute to better student outcomes.
Regards, Barry
It will better help with how you present the material and course work
Hi Hans:
Yes, communication, perception, and receipt of information are intimately related. Being sensitive to how you or your message are received can make a huge impact on the student's ultimate retention of key information.
Regards, Barry
one of the key's of improving myself as an instructor is to understand myself first so that i can react better to students perceptions of my teaching. sometimes i think i gave a message clearly but when i reflect later it becomes clear that the message can be understood in different ways, depending on how the student see's me and my way of teaching.
Hi Matthew:
You're right abot the use of variety and "change-up" from one one method to another. It tends to improve attention, focus and concentration, and interest. Hopefully, these improvements will lead to improved student outcomes.
Regards, Barry
