It is funny that one of the types of instructors listed is the "Dead Poets Society Instructor." I just watched that movie a couple of weeks ago after a number of years and it actually re-energized me. Many of students seem to be introverted and caught inside of the technology (i.e. computers and cell phones). Snapping them out of these realities has been tricky. I really have to put on stand up show and do unusual things. I really don't mind though, this is one job I have had where it is okay a bit off the wall :)
Eleana,
Sometimes an individual will have a blind spot that others can see but the individual cannot. I think this is where being willing to be open to improvement will advance the instructional skills of the instructor.
Barry Westling
I think that you need to understand yourself before you can expect others to understand and learn from you.
Titilola,
We all teach to our strengths and over time we can work on making improvements in our weaker areas. One key is to be cognizant of the need for improvement.
Barry Westling
It is important to know yourself and take time to know your students. It is much easier to be an effective teacher when you align your talents the learning styles and preferences of your students.
Kelly,
Yes, there is a sweet spot when everything is going well and and it's feels great to be in a classroom, doing what we do. Thank goodness, as there are just as many days that are crazy when nothing seems to go well.
Barry Westling
I am a brand new instructor, and learning about the kind of teacher I am has been such an exciting ride! It's definitely been a process, discovering what works and what doesn't. But when I find that magical balance of being inspirational, educational, and my students are paying attention, it's a good day. Knowing my weaknesses has helped me develop a teaching style that is based on my strengths.
Heather,
I've found this generation is more difficult to work with soft and professional behaviors, yet it's important, and students have to realize the importance these traits are and their place in the students education, in preparation for solid and sustained employment.
Barry Westling
Also having a healthcare background like Paula, I have found the transition fairly smooth. Trying to instill vertain behavior in my students has been more difficult than them retaining knowledge.
Edwin,
Good introspection and self reflection do bring a degree of grounding to instructors. This is a helpful trait for students, as usually they yearn for direction, instructions, and expectations. This brings clarity to a world full of potential uncertainty.
Barry Westling
Knowing yourself brings an air of accountability to your class/lab delivery. As-well-as, ligitamacy in the eyes of the students - which is parramount.
Travis,
I have found if people are sincere, students are willing to forgive almost any error or mistake. Staying humble while maintaining a strong hold on the class is a good balance and creates a pleasant learning environment.
Barry Westling
Knowing yourself is important in any situation. Your personality and how it will interact with the diversity of the group will allow you to manage the discussions, create activities, and interact with your students to your strengths. It will also allow you to avoid setting yourself up for a mistake or a situation that you are uncomfortable with or unprepared for.
Bruce,
I agree and also believe that thos e instructors who are willikng to subject themselves to student, peer and supervisory critique will be better instructors as the result of their openess to ongoing improvement.
Barry Westling
Understanding yourself as an instructor helps you to know your strengths and weakness.By knowing your strengths, you can lean on those while working on your weakness to make it stronger. This is also why I emphasize to students how important the end of course surveys are. It allows me to find things to work on that I might not have acknowledged myself.
Jorge,
Great! When we can be really honest with ourselves and be aware of how we perceive ourselves, how others see us, and perceptive to the "reality" usually somewhere in the middle, we begin to enter the realm of positive self improvement. It's surprising that not all instructors are willing to want to make improvements. It's unfortunate as most have so much to offer, and making minor adjustments often can make all the difference.
Barry Westling
I believe self awareness is key not just to teaching but to life in general. I have been working on self awareness for several years now while developing my leadership skills as a general manager (my prior occupation.
I am aware of my strengths as an instructor. I have been fortunate in that student surveys and feedback regarding my class has been very positive thus far. Yet I am also well aware of the areas in which I need to improve and this course has reinforced my resolve to continue that work.
Keith,
I agree when students feel confident in what they've l;earned and can demonstrate that consistently, that's a good sense the instructor and student have made a good connection.
Barry Westling
I try to give to students the things I wanted as a student. Confidence in material and availabilty to answer questions.
Eunita,
I think we become better with practice, which means making mistakes. Hoefully, over time, we learn from our mistakes and we become better by it.
Barry Westling
