[Developing as an Instructor]
One of the hardest thing for a new instructor is to follow the 3 M's. Some instructors find it very hard not t0 be friends with the students. They want the students to like them so sometimes the language and conduct of the students is ignored because they don't want to labeled as the mean instructor which causes loss of control of the classroom.
Hi Judith,
You can be friendly and supportive to and for your students but make sure you are not enabling or coddling them. Make sure they understand the professional relationship that must be maintained and you will do fine as an instructor. Be organized and have well planned instructional delivery and you will do fine.
Gary
As a new instructor myself, I am beginning to wonder whether my relationship with my students is productive for them. I try to be friendly to establish rapport, but I am starting to wonder if I am going too far. I haven't had any problems yet, but I want to prevent problems, also.
Hi Tina,
Good point. We can all remember how our first teaching efforts went. Talk about nerves! But, we have made through those tough days and now get to enjoy being a part of sharing our field with the next generation of career entrants.
Gary
I agree being a new instructor is hard!!! knowing how to come across to the students but being knowledgable but interesting at the same time.
Hi Karen,
You are so right about the challenge of following the 3M's. New instructors need to keep their focus on the outcomes of their course while establishing themselves as the class leaders. Once they have found their style they will start to see that they can earn the respect of their students, establish rapport with them and still be professional.
Gary
