I think that you have hit the nail on the head. If you role model as someone who is organized, precise and always well prepared, you are in a position to expect that same behavior of your students and I think that they will respond to that. Students like instructors that they can look to as professional. This process will help prepare them for the working world and set habits within them which will serve them well for the rest of their lives.
Exactly. If the students cant relate to their instructor they will be far less receptive to their education.
Martin,
Yes, approachability and sincerity are so important in the establment of trust, respect, and credibility. Wise instructors learn that students are individuals, with a variety of personality and academic dynamics that could potentially interfere with the instructional process. Therefore, doing all we can to create an "environment of access" makes for better student/instructor relationships.
Barry Westling
I think the instructor has to be personable and certainly not mono toned or boring, but until you get to know your class do not go over the top forcing your personality on them.
Ida Romelle,
What I've found to be true is change is a difficult thing, and also, unless an individual sees value in it, they will be reluctant to change. For instance, conveying the importance of good organization, unless students see the value, it will just be viewed as work. Good for you that you had an organized upbringing, and you bring these important attributes to your classroom.
Barry Westling
Organization comes second in nature,I grew up with my mother who is an instructor herself,very organized not only in her career but at home.With the degree I finished,again organizational skill is well developed.Now as an instructor ,this skill comes so handy.It is already in my system.I often get compliments from the students.This helps a lot.I motivate the students to develop this very useful skill for their future careers.
Debra,
Yeah, students want an authentic, original version of their instructor, and look with suspicion when their instructor does not appear to be genuine. It's true, we are the best at being ourselves, it's really our methods of delivery that vary.
Barry Westling
One of the main worries I had when first instructing was whether or not I would be able to do so as good as other instructors.
This section helped me realize that we all excel in different ways. The best thing I can do as an instructor is not worry about comparing myself to others. The best thing for me to do would be to analyze my personality and decide what delivery method would work for me. By doing this I am working on my strengths and building on that. This way I can put all my efforts into the material, not burden myself with additional trouble by trying to "teach like someone else".
Therefore personality should determine which way would be best for you to deliver your material. This allows for the most effect way of directing the material at hand.
Donna,
You bet, we owe our students our time, attention, and effort.
Barry Westling
I think that it's important for an instructor to come to class prepared, and just as important for a student to come to class prepared to learn. :)
Sherry,
Competence and confidence really go hand in hand, don't they. One can be knowlegeable in all areas but limit themselves by their delivery due to failed confidence. I believe all can be passionate, upbeat and enthusiastic, in their own way. That can help bolster confidence, and portray an authentic version of themselves.
Barry Westling
My personality is that of a Leader,It is always a factor with students and my patients if I am not confident in what I am saying students and patients alike will not have any faith in what you are saying. So I present with Confidence. I always get great response.
Rebecca,
All students have their preferred learning style. An assessment can be helpful, but also, just observing students and chatting with them can provide insight into what works for them too.
Barry Westling
I use a Learning Style Assessment to help determine my students learning styles. Next, I tailor my teaching style to become better prepared for my new group of students. Lastly, at the end of each course, I pass out an Instructor Evaluation Form. The instructor evaluation form allows the students to highlight my weaknesses and strengths. In return, I use their feedback to improve my instructional style for upcoming students and/or classes.
Ramondo,
Students are very tuned in to the mood, attitude and presence the instructor brings into the classroom. Consistency is important too. Students like order and routines, and our upbeat persona can be a great way to create a positive learning environment.
Barry Westling
I think I have the ability and power to build up a student and motivate them and also to bring them down....my personality can play role which way I affect my students maybe without me knowing it. It good to be aware of your personality so you know your strengths and weaknesses
Terrell,
Animated instructors usually create the sense of motion, action, and flow. We want student engagement, and even subtle things like circulating about the room can be a positive force towards creating an active, lively atmosphere for learning.
Barry Westling
My personality plays a very big part in my delivery of the material to the students. I am very outgoing and I am passionate about my career field. That shines through when I am in front of a class. I could never be the instructor who sits behind her desk for the entire class period. I move around and I get the students involved by making them move around. This approach is often able to break up the material that can be somewhat monotonous. My students' feedback tells me that they enjoy my approach.
Ellen,
Students like instructors who are natural, genuine versions of themselves. That doesn't mean we can't be enthusiastic, upbeat and passionate about our topics. Don't we want our students to be excited about their learning? Of course we do, and we can model that behavior in our own authentic manner.
Barry Westling
Yes, very true. I perhaps take things too seriously and that inhibits my ability to be eager about trying new things.
