Instructor personality
The instructor personality is the foundation of success for any course. With all the tools today at our disposal, the instructor is the one standing in front of the classroom instructing the students guiding what level of education they received
The instructor must be authentic not ony to the students but to yourself also. Students know if an instructor is genuine. I'm a very outgoing and happy person naturally and I feel this is conveyed to my students and they feel at ease while in the classroom. I think this contributes to them feeling comfortable in asking questions and not being intimidated,
Mark,
Right, we have to be approachable to reach the unique kind of students we have in our classes.Giving real world examples is one way to teach real world readiness. And when students feel we are there for their success, they'll be more attentive and willing to accept what we bhave to offer.
Barry Westling
The career path student is very different than a high school age student. Adults that have experienced the "real world" come to class with one goal in mind....teach me what I need to know so I can get a job. This being the case, the instructor's personality is an integral part of their success. You need to be truthful but also supportive and understanding to their needs. Only then can you help the student that others could not.
Jeremy,
Being willing to make ourselves available is nimportant. Being approachable is largely guided by the students willingness. I think if we are sincere, convey we care, have a good sense of humor, and offer assistance whenever asked, students will feel they can come to us for help.
Barry Westling
I often wonder if I am coming off as unapproachable. I make it a point the first day of class and periodically throughout the semester to mention that my students can call on me for extra help. I feel like I am approachable, but sometimes I wonder if I really am. Maybe I should ask some other instructors or former students to get their input.
I have found that as I have established myself at my school the students are asking for outside help somewhat more frequently. I hope that is because the students that I have helped are getting the word out that I am willing to help them in any way I can that is appropriate to ensure they are successful.
Mary I believe that instructor personality and attitude are important also. They set the mood and tone of the classroom and the students feed off of it.
Sonya,
Being approachable is so important. Self awareness about the degree of friendliness we possess, as perceived by the students, is valuable, and allows us to modify our affect to be accessible to students and we to them.
Barry Westling
One of my biggest issues that I have with student initially is that they feel that I am unapproachable. For some reason it takes a little time for them to get to know me and then they realize I can be approached. Since I am aware of this I usually talk about this during the first class and encourage to the students to feel free to approach me if they have questions or concerns.
Sonya,
You're right, and I think we all have traits that can be used for effectively relating to our student. Among these would be approachable, patient, sense of humor, flexible, willing to listen, and caring in our interactions. These, along with a competence and confidence in our delivery should make for any instructor to reach their students and assist them to successful completion of the course.
Barry Westling
The instructor personality is very important. Instructors should know their strengths and weaknesses and should take a simple personality test. This way you will be able to teach according to your personality and figure out ways that are comfortable for you to engage students. The main thing I always keep in mind is that students want to feel appreciated and important to the instructor. They don't want to feel like a number. No matter what your personality type is you should always help the student feel like they matter.
Mary,
True, we have to be "real" versions of ourselves if we are to be trusted, respected, and believed. Our own versions of being approachable, patient, courteous, kind, and helpful will be received well, and students will feel their instructor care about their success in the class. Sincerity in sharing the success of their students goes a long way to students feeling appreciated for their learning achievements.
Barry Westling
