full time barber to instructor
I have been a barber for 22 years. I am going to be an instructor at the college I attended. I am more worried about bringing bad habits to the table with all the the years of being in the business. This course has really helped me decide that my choice of becoming a instructor will be rewarding one. How do you suggest to monitor bad habits?
These are all excellent suggestions. I would also say, though, that perhaps you can take some of those experiences you had for the last 22 years and use them to your advantage. Make them into learning opportunities. Students really seem to connect well to a "real person". I remember as a student, the instructors that seemed most like "normal people" were the ones that students really connected with. Do you know what I mean? I think the first step is that you have recognized this about yourself. I would say, the next step is deciding how you can use your experience to teach your students.
Hi Jesus,
You make a very good point about being aware of how you are demonstrating a procedure or technique. The step back and think idea is a good one.
Gary
In my experience, you'll only share your bad habits if you stop focusing on what you're teaching. It's very easy to slide into a comfort zone and teach students the "bad habit" you gained from your 22 years experience. Instead, continue to try putting yourself in their shoes and focus on what will be most beneficial to them when they enter the field! And remember, it'll take time to change. Don't rush!
Hi Jana! This is Jay Hollowell, the Training Manager for MaxKnowledge. Frequently I have the opportunity to visit our forums and I noticed your question.
I know that Dr. Meers, the course facilitator, has responded to your question as well. He is a true expert in the career education field and his advice is golden.
I get excited when I hear of industry professionals who are starting to teach. I have copied for you here a couple of responses that I gave to other new instructors to get things started for them. Hope it helps!
From taking on the first class.......
-In addition to stating what your expectations of the students are, ask them about their expectations of you - or, this is what I expect from you, now what do you expect from me? Create a partnership or a contract.
-Let them see you as the subject matter expert right from the onset.
-Be consistent, consistent and consistent!
-Demonstrate that you know they have valuable ideas and skills to bring to the table, but you are still the instructor.
-Vary your teaching methods with blended activities, active presentations, demonstrations, personal examples and stories, and try to reach the different learning styles.
-Never emphasize, "I am new at this, or this is the first time I have ever taught this;" you are the teacher and there for the right reasons.
-Have students keep a learning journal where they summarize each lesson or application, develop there own questions and relate outcomes directly to the workplace.
-Allow each student a chance to shine.
-Don't be afraid to pull rank when you have to - it strengthens respect if done for the right reason.
Now, from a planning perspective, an effective lesson plan includes......
-The learning objectives of the lesson; what do I want students to know or be able to do in order to achieve the desired outcomes?
-What specific skills do they need in order to accomplish the objectives?
-What do they bring to the table that I can utilize and maximize?
-What resources do I need and have in order to effectively implement the lesson?
-What teaching methods and techniques will I use together to introduce and implement the lesson?
-How will I measure student mastery of the topics, procedures or applications?
Jana, best wishes for every success in your teaching journey and thanks so much for your interest and enthusiasm.
Jay Hollowell
MaxKnowledge/CEE
Hi Jana,
Good question. You have started on the monitoring situation already by thinking about how you can be a good teacher. Don't worry about bringing bad habits into the classroom. Think instead about how you can prepare quality lessons and present them in dynamic
ways. By taking this approach you will be focusing on positive outcomes instead of worrying about mistakes you may make or habits you bring to the classroom.
Get feedback from your students throughout the course. You can do this by handing each student a 3x5 card and have them write down their perceptions of how they see the course going. I like to do this after I have had them complete a project. Their answers help me to determine if I will keep the project, reformat it or drop it.
As you can see this helps to keep teachers focused on growth and as a result the "bad habits" just never seem to surface.
I wish you much success in your teaching.
Gary
