Hi Chonitia,
Thank you for these comments in relation to what we need to be as instructors. You are right about the need to always be learners. We do a lot of learning by listening so we need to make sure we are listening to our students. The quote you shared captures the essence of our professional development.
Gary
This part of the course start is probably what I enjoy the most. I am able to allow the student to know who I am and what I have brought to the the table as well as how I am looking forward to learning from what they have and want to gain from their experience in the field. One of my mentors as a educational model is Pablo Friere who teaches "We are all teachers and learner" as he then creates a learning environment of equality. If known at the beginning of not only who, what, where and why; I can then quide them in the how to begin their journey towards their goal.
Setting the stage for the instructor as the leader. gains the students respect for the experience and knowledge you will share. gives hope to the student that they can also make a good living doing what you have done.
During my last fist class some students expressed their fear of failing and fear of speaking in public. I felt that these facts gave me valuable insights into my students and altered the way that I would interact and question them in class.
You are breaking down the barriers. Instructors and students both are nervous, anxious, critical, and evaluating each other. By starting with a get to know each other mindset you put both parties at ease. When you have broken through these mental road blocks you can allow a more open learning environment. Students feel more comfortable knowing who the instructor is and how they have the background and knowledge to teach. Breaking the ice between students also makes them more comfortable in the classroom- to ask questions, provide input into disscussions, etc.
It is important that students understand that you the instructorwere a student, and in many ways still are. Students like to know what their instructor thinks and feels about being a teacher. What experience they bring to the table.
Good point Patricia! I like to mention to the class that COLLEGE and COLLEAGUE come from the same root word. Learning is often a shared experience.
While I want students to know my experience in the field, they should also feel my compassion for their education. I returned to college at age 55, felt the pressures of work and family, and share my experiences as a non-traditional student. As most of my classes are made up of older adults, they relate to my successes and difficulties. I emphasize the goal of lifelong learning and congrartulate non-traditional students for their educational decisions. Students gain motivation and determination as they introduce their individual goals.
Eyes on the Prize!
I am able to get to know student's names and something about each one. This also allows me to learn student's names more quickly, as I will be able to relate their experiences, hobbies, etc. with the student's name. It also allows me the opportunity to find out what their career goals are and why they chose the respective field that they are in. Finally, it also allows the students an opporutnity to find out my experience in the field, why I started teaching and build a rapport with the student.
Hi Sherry,
This is the "human" part of being an instructor as you say. This sets the stage for a good relationship with the students and their understanding that you understand where they are coming from, since you are a former student yourself. Many times I think that they forget that we, instructors are human beings with our own live issues.
Gary
By introducing myself students are getting to know my background in their chosen field perhaps building their confidence in me as an Instructor and acknowledging me as "Human". It gives me an opportunity to get to know the names of the students and I take that time as an opportunity to ask what is the reason why they are here. Is it a better life for their family? A career change? Wanting to help people, etc. I keep that information and when life situations happen I look at what that student wrote and use that to motivate them to continue on with their goal.
It gives the students an idea of who you are as an instructor and establishes you as an authority figure and expertise in your field. Student introductions helps you to get to know your students and place names with faces.
That is a really creative approach to forming and expanding existing cohorts. In the field that I teach in, the established cohort is even difficult for the instructor to break into. Thanks for the creative idea.
By getting to know my students the first day I am learning their names and something about them which may start to give clues about individual learning styles, past educational & work experience, values and personalities. When I indroduce myself and give some of my background I help to assure students that I have thier best interest in mind and also that I am well qualified to teach the cours based on my education and work in the field. I think it helps put the students at ease to know a bit about the instructor and see that the instructor is a "regular person" just like them and may have things in common with the students.
Hi Gary,
This is a good way to show your students that you are all connected and yet are individuals. This allows students to dispel preconceived ideas about each other and the instructor. It has the tendency to unite people with common goals thereby strengthening the classroom learning atmosphere.
This makes the class feel as a team and they realize they are all there to better themselves and makes them realize they will be working together as a family for the time they are there. it makes the class closer
Hi Minerva,
I really like the way you introduce yourself. You are right about the human or superhuman part. The students get to see you as a professional educator with a life much like theirs. Sometimes students forget that instructors are humans at all.
Gary
I like students to know something about my personal life, as well as my credentials. I like them to know how I enjoy reading and gardening and how I am technically challenged and might call on them for help periodically. This let's them know I am human (superhuman in most ways)and will need help just like they will.
Through introductions it allows me to put a name with a face, and I find out that I also have been able to remember a student's voice.
Hi Ronilyn,
So true. By starting off with a good first impression the tone has been set for success. Coming into the class unprepared and disorganized tells the students that the instructor doesn't care about the class nor them. A really tough way to start a class as we all know.
Gary
