Attitude
I will do all this ideas.
Jean,
This can be challenging, and what I'll say is not easy to hear, even more difficult to do. First of all, I understand that when I let students get the better of me, I have succumbed to their level. I am the leader, I have control of my class, so unless I allow it, there is nothing anyone can do to change my actions or behavior. One way I deal with bad attitudes is to counter it with kindness -- sincere kindness. Some would say "but that's not fair" or " you're letting the students get their way". No, I'm getting my way because it's my choice how I decide to respond. And most individuals recognize when they are treated with kindness, often catching them off guard, and as a result, their attitude changes as a result. In the worst case, those that don't respond favorably have deeper issues and are probably not going to change anyway. But I feel the greatest effect are the "bystanders" who witness extreme maturity, respond appropriately, and walk away with a clear understanding of who is causing trouble. In short, I become stronger when I behave kinder. And I feel better knowing I've done my best to rise to a higher level.
Barry Westling
I struggle with the student's attitude affecting ME, to the point that my attitude changes during the class, and then some of the other students get upset. That doesn't happen often, but I feel bad when it does. A lot of the students have some kind of chip on their shoulder, and then I get blamed for all their issues. Any suggestions on a way I can forget about all of that so they don't affect me personally?
Terri,
Walk in someone's shoes first... I think if we could appreciate the students perspective more, we might do some things a bit differently.
Barry Westling
After explaining a procedure or concept, if I find myself looking into a group blank faces, I cannot wonder why are they not getting it, I have to say to myself, " how can I state or demonstrate it so they do get it." I have to remind myself that I have been doing this skill for 20 years, but it is brand new to most of them.
Dawn,
And really, it's not so difficult to be patient, take a little extra time, and be kind. It can make such a difference.
Barry Westling
This is absolutely correct. Students learn differently and each one has to feel as though you are genuinely interested in them learning the content. Patience is very important.
David,
Being kind, understanding and patience are always good attributes. Sometimes I will think about my grandkids, and how I'd like their instructors to behave and relate to them when they're having difficulty.
Barry Westling
I appreciate what you are saying here; sometimes we are focused on what we know and what we think the student should know by now. Usually it just takes a little more time, patience, and constructive techniques to get through to the student. I know that I have been less than realistic at times on what I expect the student to have mastered.
Randall,
I understand, and appreciate the adage that "patience is a virtue". All instructors probably experience the frustration of students struggling to understand, and only made worse when it seems they aren't trying as hard as I'm teaching. To get perspective, I think about how mysterious and helpless I feel when I'm having computer woes, and the IT guys have to come and resolve a relatively simple problem. I appreciate their assistance, their patience, and tolerance for my helplessness. I think our students probably feel like that too. I want to be patient, kind, tolerant, and approachable (like the IT guys are to me).
Barry Westling
I struggle with this a lot sometimes. I know its time for me to get a break from teaching when I look at students and cannot understand why they are not getting what im talking about even though i have phrased it several different ways. The same curriculum I have been teaching, and they cannot get it. It seems I lose my patience with them.
Lisa,
From my own experiences with teachers, I know I always got so much more from the class when I felt a genuine sense of caring, approachability, and willingness to help from the instructor. Our attitude towards student's really should be a daily habit, and expression of every student is important.
Barry Westling
I have seen an instructors attitude toward one student effect the entire class. The students feel the instructor does not like them, they want to change instructors. I have been asked if the instructor is ill and not feeling well.. the attitude of an instructor could take over the entire class room and divert the students from their learning experience
