experience versus capability
many instructors are very capable academically but have limited field or work experience in their particular field. Student's seem to recognize these traits and pick up on them. how do we handle questions like? IE: how long have you been working in this field?. What is your background, are you a qualified journeyman etc, etc. in this field?
Hi Jennifer:
Honesty, sincerity, and being our natural, genuine selves creates believeability to our students.
Regards, Barry
I feel that the old saying "honesty is the best policy" works well especially in the classroom environment. Like it was stated, we were hired as educators because we met a criteria making us eligible. One of the first things I do is talk about my backround and how in my lectures I will relate my work experience to the material that I am presented because, as we all know the text books dont always give the clearest picture. I find that the best way to respond to something I may not be 100% familiar with is not to bluff my way through, it is just to simply state, "that is a great question, and I would like to research that specific topic a bit more to ensure that I am giving you the most accurate, and up to date response." I find the students appreciate the shear honesty of the answer as well and relate to the fact that I am human and I certainly dont claim to know everything that there is to know in the field.
Hi Gail:
Adding to your point, I think there are individuals working in the professions that know what they're doing professionally, but lack the interpersonal skills that complement soneone who is overall doing a great job.
This pertains to nteachers as well. Someone may be perfectly knowledgeable, but their delivery, demeanor, or attitude makes for a barrier to student learning.
Regards, Barry
Most of my former teachers had little or no knowledge in the professional field that they were teaching. It did not matter at all that they did not have that experience. If the students had questions that they couldn't answer we waited until we had a guest speaker and asked them the questions we had. The teachers were well informed and did a great job imparting their knowledge about the subject matter.
I find that you don't have to be directly related and be currently working in the field you are teaching. Enthusiam and subject knowledge and organization as to how it is presented is very beneficial to the student. I have also found that sometimes the so-called expert in their field currently working do not necessarily make the best teachers.
Hi Cynthia:
Good personal observation. Being confident, stick to what is most important, and teach the material as a subject matter expert, and you should do fine.
Regards, Barry
I find that I am having the opposite problem. I consider myself very experienced in my field, but I am also so new to teaching. The students also pick up on this and there are similar challenges in addressing the student's perceptions of how the class is being taught and how effective I am as an instructor. This module has taught me that it's just as important to focus on HOW the students learn, in addition to WHAT they learn.
Hi Paul:
I agree - profanity and street slang don't read well and are not appropriate for mixed group users such as this forum.
I like your sentiment about the students may see the substitute as an opportunity rather than just someone filling in. How students perceive their instructor can affect how they approah their whole learning experience.
Regards, Barry
I would use a better choice of words than Mr. Niggel has chosen, considering this is a professional learning site, and I would also take more time to write an error-free message. That aside, I understand the essence of Mr. Niggel's words. It is necessary to be absolutely prepared whether you've been teaching the class for a decade or you are stepping in as substitute. If you are substituting, take three minutes to briefly explain your background. That alone may change the whole dynamic. Students may now see an opportunity as opposed to a letdown.
Hi Thomas:
I suppose there are times when someone is filling and is not prepared veywell. I think I was speaaking of the regular teacher who is hired to teach a topic or group of topics in a given program. Professional educator. As you say, the subject matter expert.
Regards, Barry
I wish that was true. sometimes it just to get a class covered . the instructor is is a fish out of water or a bullshitter .this kills the morale of the class. they see right thru . there is some thing about being a subject matter expert.
Hi Raymond:
As instructors, we are hired and employed because the school administration has found that we are best suited to teach a class. I would find out what those reasons were and share that with the class. Putting the class at ease is a skill every instructor ought to perfect.
Regards, Barry
