Get Your Students Hired
I loved reading about the different teaching styles; I actually saw myself in the Peacemaker, the Socratic instructor, the Dead Poet's Society, and the Learn by Doing. The Drill Ser-geant, the Zen-style Instructor and the Statue Instructor are not "me" at all. Reading these gave me a great basis for self-critique. As the Peacemaker, I feel that I am at my best when helping to quell a student's discontent about their grade on a project by giving them a second chance;however, I have learned to not be a push-over. The key is being organized, something I've improved in alot. If I am organized I feel I have 'ammunition' to stand my ground about giving an assignment that students don't like (but is good for their learning!) or to ask a dis-ruptive student to change their behavior. If I am not organized I become a 'pushover,' and that is not being a real peacemaker; that is being a 'wimp.' THE BEST TYPE OF PEACEMAKER IS SOMEONE WHO IS WILLING TO WORK WITH A STUDENT TO BETTER THEMSELVES IN THEIR WORK. As a 'Dead Poet's Society' instructor, I have fully demon-strated my passion for my subject, which is design; however I have had to learn to 'temper' that zeal and not offend people in the adminis-tration; also to be very careful what I say in all contexts. I shine at being a Learn by Doing
instructor because I love to demonstrate tech-nique in art applications; however, I have also had to learn to love preparing hand-outs and other types of officialdom to make certain that students learn applicable terminology to their fields. Sorry this is so long -- I just felt impelled to share my introspection!
Hi Anne:
Very creative! I'm glad it worked out with a positive outcome. It's good to mix it up sometimes, even extemporaneously as was the case in this instance.
In a phiosophical sense, I think there are many approaches that would probably serve the needs of the student in a given instance, and they'd all probably be successful. What makes it work is the expertise of the instructor to make the lesson work in a seamless manner. Practice, skill, and experience, along with content knowledge are the key players in making this happen.
Regards, Barry
I am teaching in a different country with 4 other teachers and we frequently talk about the "personalities" of our classes and what we can do, as teachers, to fit in with that personality. I think it's vital to any particular class to have a little of each kind of instructor within you to better prepare yourself for that particular "personality" of a class. I was just in the classroom today and after giving them their assignment (do role-playing scenarios), one of the students asked if they could have a discussion instead with me as the moderator. We ended up having a great time and getting a lot of cultural differences out into the open. My preference is for the "Socratic"-type of teaching, and my class agreed! I had hoped to open them to a different approach, but wanted, mainly, for them to learn the material in the way they, as a class, understood the best.
Hi Laurie:
"Developing passion for a course"...that's terrific! I agree passion contributes to better motivation and excitement towards learning.
I think if we consider that our relationship to the student is based on their need to learn vs our need/desire to teach, then expectations for how much enthusiasam is provided by the instructor will be magnified.
Regards, Barry
Hi Anthony:
Good observation! Attention will be demonstrated by students when they feel interested and are given an opportunity to be engaged. A good instructor has control over both of these charcteristics.
Regards, Barry
Hi Barry-
I believe wholeheartedly that passion for the subject matter is essential. One can develop a passion even if the particular course is not the instructor's favorite. It has happened to me. If we as instructors change our mind set and view an "unsavory" course from the student's perspective, the challenge alone gets one motivated and excited!
Even if I love teaching particular courses quarter after quarter, I change and tweak the course each and every quarter so it remains "fresh" for me.
If your students see by your command of the subject matter, that you are in fact expert in what you're teaching, their level of respect and attention will increase. If you know the subject matter intimately but can't convey that expertise or control the rhythm of the class, many students will lose interest and occupy themselves instead of paying attention.
Hi Karen:
Great thought! I agree with your sentiment that the responsible student will look to their instructor for insight, mentoring, sharing of experiences (SME), along with the instructional components to their course.
As instructors we have an obligation to set that example and strive for outcomes whereby many students will someday overcome our achievements and demonstrate true leadership and responsibility.
As a boy scout I learned, "always leave the campgroud cleaner than you found it". Applied to instruction, "always give your best and the outcome will better".
Regards, Barry
As An instructor my industry experiences as well as understanding my leadership / teaching styles is vital.We (the SME subject matter expert) may be the only example our students have of someone working in their chosen field of study. That thought motivates me each day that I step into the classroom. I strive not only to set a good example but to let each of my students know that they are creative and dynamic individuals who can make positive contributions to our industry. I want them to value the decision they made to pursue this creative field and to begin to understand the diverse opportunities within the industry.
Hi Fiorella:
Good thought!
It's a good start when an insrtuctor realizes they will probably always benefit by stregthening their weaknesses and understanding that it will likely be a lifelong endeavor.
Regards, Barry
Hi Samuel:
Good instructors often where many hats, and the really good instructors give much of themselves (I guess their hats fit well). But te result is indicated in the ultimate results to which you've alluded to.
Regards, Barry
Samuel:
Yes! Isn't it amazing how some things that are really very simple can do so much to liven up a lesson and create added interest?
Regards, Barry
Hi Samuel:
Great!
Passion is positive and infectious. It really can motivate marginal students to improve, and good students to perform even better.
Regards, Barry
Hi Samuel:
This is great! Along with comfortable is confidence and empathy for your students. Students (people) are able to sense these admirable qualities.
Good post.
Regards, Barry
Because as an instructional leader you are not only fulfilling your own dreams, but you also have a responsability with the students. You need to know which type of instructional leader you are in order to work on your weak areas (to benefit the students...) and reinforced your strenghs
I agree, my students respond positively to my passion and when I tap into theirs. When I get excited about their learning they respond and perform very well.
I loved the different color paper approach and plan to yuse it for my handouts and other class materials.
I can remember instructors who were rigid and only used one style and did not appear to like their jobs or the students very much. I noticed I did better academically when I had passionate flexible teachers. I attempt to be flexible in my teaching. I love my subject so passion is never a problem.
It helps tremedously with classroom delivery and management when I am comfortable with myself. I welcome classroom visits and assessments as they can help to improve my abilities.
Hi Franklin:
I think most instructors feel they know their strengths and tend to model their teaching practices around these perceived attributes.
However, what we need is "eyes in the back of our heads" to really see how the students see us, or those that may have positive constructive suggestions to modify our plans. Unless we are willing to subject ouselves to this scrutiny, we probably will never realize our full potential as instructors.
Regards, Barry