The personality of an instructor.
The personality of an instructor is a huge part of the class. Students either will think that you are optmistic or pesimistic. Is the glass half full or empty. Can they ask you question with out feeling stupid. Empowerment works well.
Hi Lisa:
It's hard not to be engaged when the teacher is enthusiastic about their topic, creative and animated in the presentation, supportive and encouraging when asking and receiving questions, and conveys genuiness and is natural in their delivery. Who wouldn't want to be a part of a classs like that.
Regards, Barry
The feedback that I was glad to hear from my former students is that due to your enthusiasm for the subject, we started getting excited about English and writing. Obviously, if you are excited about what you are teaching, your students will catch the fever!! :)Lisa
Hi Steve:
The degree of comfortor ease which students feel they can talk to their instructor reflects the on the connection the teacher has made with their students. More openness to ask questions and satisfaction from the students is more likely when one provides and open, approachable presence.
Regards, Barry
It's very important for me to be approachable to my students. I think the get more out of the class if the y know they can ask any questions, and that I genuinly care about their well being. I remind them that at one time I was a student just like them and that I was once on the other side.
Hi Gary:
Sounds great. Questioning by students does reflect that students are listening, paying attention, thinking about what you're saying.
I think this could be true with a delivery style that was unplesant, but students would still have questions.
In a setting though, where students feel their teacher genuinely cares, wants to answer questions, offer suggestions, and is supportive, that environment is going to contribute to a class that is conducive to learning.
Care, respect, courtesy - any teacher that consistently conveys these attributes to all students will just about always receive the same in return. I think this is a good foundation from which to build on.
Regards, Barry
If I don't have students asking me questions, I'm definitely doing something wrong because I know not everyone is getting everything. When I ask if there are questions and I get no response, I am either creating an environment that is too intimidating or I've just done the impossible -- reached every single student on every occasion that I lecture!
I work hard to try and be approachable, and to make students comforable enough to make questions part of the class. At least it shows me they're interested enough to ask for more information.
Michelle:
I know what you mean. Actually, I think there are plenty of stupid questions, but it's how the the teacher responds to it that makes it a good or bad thing. So, if we are ptient, caring, and willing to engage with students with wahtever they ask or discuss, they'll feel welcome to continue seeking out our advice and be warm to our counsel and instructional lessons.
Regards, Barry
Cecilia:
I think this could also be called approachable. When students feel comfortable with their teacher, they'll ask questions and tend not to be too timid. We do set the tone.
Regards, Barry
I could not agree more! THey need to have a feeling of trust with their instructors and I always tell my students that no question is a stupid question...I even have graduates tell me that they use that a lot in their lives!
