Humanizing
I have found that showing your students that you are "HUMAN" by sharing a personal "FUNNY" is a good way to keep them on track and awake. Eg. "Please don't sleep in this class! It tells me that you think I am boring! I already know I am boring, my wife told me so. I don't need you people backing that thought up!
This always gets a laugh and keeps them awake.
Hi Laurel,
This is very important when teaching no matter the delivery platform. Students need to have access to the human component of the instructor. If they realize that their instructor has gone through the very same student process that they are going through they know that that instructor has understanding about them.
Gary
Students really appreciate knowing that the person at the front of the room, or the voice in the online classroom, is an actual person. Making personal statements ("I know firsthand how hard it is to be an adult student, maintain a family, etc.") really helps students to feel more at ease; they know you can relate.
I agree with Joseph though on the culinary side. The reality of the industry is something you want/need to prepare them for but at the same time let them know we are all people. You do need to make them feel comfortable in order for them to be able to absorb everything you have to teach them. I bring stories of my wife & her culture/background to class that helps break the ice all the while allowing me to still show them the reality of the industry as much as I can.
I completely agree. I actually had a student fall asleep in my class (in the first week of class) and I used a similar line. The students found it hilarious and became less threatened by me which made them open up in class.
Hi Joseph,
You make a very good point about being humane while getting them ready for a tough work environment. I think the humane part should come through that you will be fair, consistent and supportive as long as they work hard to acquire the needed knowledge and skill sets. As a part of being humane you can educate them about ways they can develop a tough hide for when they are in their own kitchen.
Gary
I agree with you with regards to humanizing. The only issue I have is, is that I am tryin to get my students ready be Chefs out in a very harsh industry. I am trying to be human but at the same time I am trying to teach them to have a tough skin because if they don't they will get their feelings hurt and their ego's bruised. I find this is one of the hardest things as a Culinary/Pastry Instructor.
Hi Richard,
Your method of setting students at ease is based upon the respect you have for them and they you. In addition you have a rapport with them that lets them know you care about them and their future. Good job.
Gary
I laugh at myself as well and point out I am human and capable of mistakes. I try to keep as relaxed a mood in my class as possible without letting it turn into a free-for-all.
I find most students not only appreciate this in their class, they also seek me out when no longer my students for advise. I feel it is because I made them feel relaxed with me in the class.
Showing students that instructors are people too helps to ease anxiety from them. I try to explain that the big difference between them and me is my experience. Other than that, we are all people too.
Being funny relaxes the students.
Hello Mr. Perrin, that is funny. "I already know I am boring, my wife told me so. I don't need you people backing that thought up!" Good job very funny.
The difinition of beeing perfect, is "Lacking nothing essential to the whole; complete of its nature or kind." "Being without defect or blemish: a perfect specimen." http://education.yahoo.com/reference/dictionary/entry/perfect.
WOW, who is perfect?__________________________
Hi Armando,
Good example of how teachers can model the different behaviors related to being the class authority and leader. We must be able to laugh at ourselves sometimes to show as you mentioned that we have made mistakes and are human.
Gary
i try to tell students stories about personally shop experience that is funny so that they see the human side of me. Most students have a perception of instructors being perfect and making no mistakes i think we should let our students know we allmake mistakes and like you said learn from that.
I agree completely John. Try and give them some insight on things that go on in the shop that you find amusing. Anything to let them know that we make mistakes to but you must learn from those mistakes and move on. Also, don't be afraid to laugh at yourself, life is to short not to enjoy the time you are here.
