Having reviewed all of the questions about being an instructional leader, it is easy to see that the answers to each leads to a better understanding of the whole person. Since the instructor is the "center of attention," he/she needs to ensure that they are the best focal point possible for student learning and success. I have always thought of the leadership style of an instructor as that of a "chameleon" - must be able to change to meet the needs of the class.
Hi Chris:
You are really putting in the time needed for helping your students succeed.
I think whenever students receive personal contact, assistance, help, or have their questions answered, it reinforces the relationship between the instructor and student.
Increasingly, the expectations for both faculty and student are expanding, so much so, it could possibly be more than students can remember at all times or in a given situation. Therefore, your "mentorship" or mere accessibility can be so effective in strengthening the successfulness of desired learning outcomes.
Too many instructors avoid the time it takes to individualize thier time with students. Better results would certainly occur if more faculty interacted with their students as much as you.
Great job!
Barry
Hello All,
I am actually visiting informally with each of my students about every other week. Prior to this meeting they are given the opportunity to evaluate me as an instructor either directly or anonomusly. These meetings allow me to understand the students concerns, school and non-school problems and identify deficiantcies in my instruction. The important thing I have found in doing this is immediate acknolwledgement of issues and resolution/results immediately back to the students so they realize this is my attempt to help them succeed in learning from me.
Chris
Hi George:
A excellent way to get feedback that helps a teacher understand how they're doing and their classroom persona is the end of course evaluation.
Too often teachers receive this information as criticism. But in truth, this information can be quite valuable as long as the instructor doesn't take "negative feedback" too personal.
Regards, Barry
Hi Manuel:
This is great! Teachers that are able to adapt thier instruction to all students are among the best!
Regards, Barry
Knowing yourself and how your personnlity could affect your class is important.
Well Barry I think that this is one instance in which the 4 learning styles is a good example. What is interesting to some may not be to others, so adaptability of the course and information is inportant.
Hi Tim:
This is quite an inspirational thought. Can you cite an example or two?
Regards, Barry Westling
Hi Manuel:
Classroom organization and life-skill organization are similar in many ways.
What examples can you share about your own personal experience?
Regards, Barry Westling
I have relizied that teaching my class is very simalar to how i orginize my life.
Hi Scott:
Yes, there is much that goes into being an effective instructor.
Which tool or strategy stood out to you and why? Can you think of one method you can improve on for yourself?
Regards, Barry
Hi Joe:
Recognizing diversity is absolutely an important attribute. Students express their passions in different ways too.
An effective teacher does serve many roles and some of these responsibilities need to be emphasized more given the circumstances or focus of the class at the time.
When students sense that you care about their learning you're bound to get the best response from them.
Hi John:
You've shared some good ideas. It is rather pragmatic to discard an activity if it seems to not be working.
Of course, in a science environment there's bound to be calculations,equations or procedures that just have to be worked through in a systematic way. Perhaps the best advice here is to be avaialble for the student, patient when they experience difficulty, and offer encouragement when they demonstrate successfulness.
As a class room manager my role is to facilitate the learning process and recognise that students are not like me . They might not share the same passion for the subject material, the reason why they are there might not be in true alignment. The leader of the class room is a score keeper, facilitates, manages, and presenter while recognizing the needs of the class.
I am principally a Learn by Doing Instructor and have been such most of my career life as a biology instructor in high school and now as a computer instructor in college. Students seem to learn more by doing and my subjects areas have lent themselves to such endeavor. I use all of the techniques mentioned and have done so for many years as an instructor in public and private schools. I believe in trying new things out, if they work keep them in your curriculum, if they do not work throw them out. Analyze your methods of instruction and continually strive for improvement. This seems to have kept me and the students interested in learning
Isn't it interesting that we all have a certain type of educator "personality"? Students often pick up on these traits - sometimes very quickly - and will use the information if they can. As a Peacekeeper, a student may learn that if they become a bit confrontational, they might get their way. You are right that understanding your style will only help in improving your strengths as a teacher.
Good job :-)
