Instructo Personality
While I agree that it is important for instructors to have a personality that students can relate to, I think that adult learners need to adjust to different personality types.
In the real world, we can not create excuses why we did or did not do something because of someone else's personality.
Deborah,
I just remember instructors who were patient with me. I always appreciated their tolerance of my challenges to understand.
Barry Westling
I agree with you patience goes a long way you can not help anyone if you don not have patience
keep it simple and consistant will help!
Bernadette,
Patience is a very necessary attribute, especially when demonstrated consistently.
Barry Westling
I've learned over my many years of teaching various grade levels that patience goes a long, long way.
Geary,
Good points. General traits like patience, kindness, and tolerance can go a long way to engaging students, regardless of other strengths or personality dynamics.
Barry Westling
The instructor's personality is a cornerstone to building a relationship with a class. I understand there are differences in personalities but certain traits must be present like courtesy, welcoming of opposing opinions, not telling students that they are wrong, and giving off the attitude of “I have my degree now you have to earn yoursâ€. These examples I have experience in my department and those instructors are no longer in the program. For students to learn, no matter what the topic is, the instructor must be excited about the topic to start with and must convey it through the activities in the classroom and the interactions with the students. I am turned off immediately when the instructor tells the students that he will get us through this boring subject. Students get interested in the subject if the subject can be related to something in the student’s life. Whether it is math, English, criminal justice, or psychology, students are interest in the topic if the examples can be related to simple activities on one’s life. I present the topic and break it down to a situation or two that could have taken place in the student’s life. The connection clarifies what you are trying to teach. A teacher can plan all they want and can be intelligent on the subject matter, the problem is relating the information to what the student can relate to. I have found instructors who talk with daily life experiences as it pertains to the subject being taught can hold the student’s attention longer. And let’s not forget the injection of humor. I entertain my students which gives me an advantage over the textbook reading/white board writing instructors.
Jason,
I think if any of us was to think of one our own best instructors, we'd likely find that why we liked them for reasons beyond just facilitating instruction. They were relatable, approachable, kind, and patient, regardless if they were tough or easy.
Barry Westling
