Being an instructional leader
One's personality and attitude towards the subject matter impacts how the instructor is seen by the student. It allows me to reflect on my own leadership style in the classroom and adjust accordingly.
April,
Yeah, it's like there is an upward flow that draws folks "towards the light!". It also contributes to students looking forward to returning to class the next day.
Barry Westling
Positive energy creates more positive energy. Same as "misery loves company". More positive is needed to ensure students are more engaged.
Steven,
All these attributes do contribute to better understanding and receptivity by students. Facilitating a class can sometimes be like "juggling cats", but can also come off like a well rehearsed orchestra. The leader and the team, in concert, make for meaningful and memorable experiences.
Barry Westling
To me, an effective leader is someone that can “walk the walk†and “talk the talkâ€. For instance, behind every great golfer is an equally great caddy, who not only carries the bag, but also provides advice on shot and club selection. An effective instructional leader must be the “caddy†to teachers, providing the necessary tools and advice on how best to use them.
As a educator, you can control some of the factors that will enhance a student’s ability to achieve. Demonstrating leadership in the classroom, providing motivation for learners and operating effective groups will increase the chances of success. Your behaviors can contribute positively to the learning process of students (listening, monitoring student progress, knowing names to make it personal, scheduling breaks, being available, changing the pace, being friendly, relaxed and at ease with the students). Modeling such attributes will assist your students to become better leaders. In addition, effective leadership assists the student in completing their tasks and maintaining effective working relationships all students.
Rick,
Great! Students will nearly always respond favorably to an instructor who projects an upbeat, enthusiastic demeanor, and conveys positive sentiments in the delivery of instructional material.
Barry Westling
Juliet,
Yes, we want order and structure (otherwise it's just chaos), but we need to also create the best possible learning environment. For me, that doesn't mean rules so much as creative activities that students want to engage in.
Barry Westling
My personality and attitude toward the subject matter I was told, was the reason I was hired. I think the energy I bring is greatly appreciated by the students and they have expressed as much. The real reward is the energy I get from them and how it transfers to my work outside of teaching.
