Attitudes of Instructors
Previously, I have been very fortunate to have some wonderful and extremely knowledgeable instructors along my educational journey. However, some of those instructors possessed and had no problem sharing their superior attitude that it created an atmosphere of intimidation and arrogance. I believe that instructors should be approachable and respected, not viewed as infallible and aloof. Furthermore, this stunts the learning process to a point. What are your thoughts on this? I look forward to your feedback.
I totally agree....you might not remember everythig a teacher taught you but you will always remember how they made you feel.
Linda Pederson
Care the most easy way to get to the student and helpe them relaiz the only way to reach to there gol by caring about them-selve by doing the right things. Success is not easy with out care and help from Instructor that show he/she does care about success.
Hi Sean,
By them knowing you care about their success then they will work harder to have success. By developing rapport with them you create a connection and support system that keeps them engaged in the learning process.
Gary
I've noticed this same behavior in a number of instructors I've worked with and students have even approached me in the past making reference to other instructors not caring.
I think it's important to care about the success of your students. When they see you are truly interested in their success, they will respect you and feel comfortable enough to approach you with questions. This only contributes to their successes and gives you that warm feeling inside that you've helped another person to grow.
Hi Stacey,
It is always unfortunate when instructors set themselves up this way. No only do the students suffer but the instructors as well. They don't get the benefit of having a relationship with their students and that is what teaching is all about.
Gary
I totally agree, unfortunely there are to many instructors who hold themselves on that unapprochable peddle stool, and students reep the cost of their education and become unsuccessful because of it.
Hi Ellen,
Excellent point about being professional. To criticize the school, program, etc. is to demean yourself in the eyes of the students. Even if we have issues with our school we cannot bring those issues to the classroom because we tell our students to leave their issues at the door when they come to class and we have to do the same.
Gary
Most important in teaching a vocational course is being positive about students career choice and choice of schools. While it is important to emphasize the amount of hard work it takes to complete requirements it is the instructor's job to help students feel positive and not overwhelmed--they need to know that you know they can do it.
Criticizing the school, program or other instructers is counterproductive and unprofessional.
Hello Mr. Viar,
I have also worked with many skilled and professional instructors. I have come across those few unprofessional individuals who are not afraid to voice their opinions. I do have to admit that on one of the occasions, the instructor had some valid points as the University was unfair and put an extraordinary amount of work and pressure on the online instructors to the point that it was bordering on unethical work conditions. I personally feel that the professional tone is the best and that there is a place to voice your opinions. If the instructor provides an atmosphere of arrogance, the students will begin to feel that they are wasting their time and money.
Thank you,
Professor Pomponio
Dr. Viar,
As a recent graduate and new instructor I remember quite well the good instructors, (those that really cared about us as students), and those that did not. This came through in their instructional time as well as their comments to our submitted work and their willingness,or lack thereof,to give us extra time when needed for our learning to successes. As a new instructor i know that I need to find that place where my students will know, without a doubt, that I am concerned with their successes and not just the fact that I am the instructor. I feel that I am off to a good start with this, but when a student e-mails me and tells me that i am "unfair" in my grading I have to wonder, "Did I give the proper instructions and support". This becomes an introspective question that I must answer to make sure that I am doing right by my students as well as the University
Gary Underwood
Hi Dr. Viar,
I agree with you about how an instructor needs to be approachable. I to have had instructors like those you mention and it was not a comfortable situation for sure. I did learn from them but there was always something missing, such as rapport and some tension because I never knew when they might try to embarrass me by calling me out in front of the other students. To say there was tension in the class would be an understatement.
Yes, we are the authority in the classroom on that topic that day but beyond that we are just human beings doing the job we love to do. As a result the relationships we develop with the students are so important. In order to develop those relationships we need to be approachable, human and supportive to an for our students.
Gary
