Hi Tommy,
You do a fine job with displaying a positive image. We have to be role models for our students.
Patricia Scales
By preparing the subject material and teaching it with confidence. Letting the class know that that I care about them and want them to get the knowledge and be able to use it in the field.
I am "blessed" with the good fortune of looking much younger than I actually am. Additionally, I taught my first course at the ripe age of 23 - so I began my teaching career with a bit of an insecurity chip on my shoulder from students asking if I was qualified. As a graduate teaching assistant, I actually remember a direct verbal altercation of sorts between myself and a student in my recitation section. He asked if I was old enough to be teaching him anything, which was incredibly rude and also completely unexpected for my first experience in front of a classroom. I bluntly told him that I had a degree and he didn't, and he was welcome to join one of the other recitation sections where the other GTAs were the same age but possibly looked older than myself, thanks to my good fortune to be aging so well. Everyone laughed it all, but I have matured a lot as an instructor.
Now, I still get the "Looks" when I walk into the classroom the first time and introduce myself as their instructor - especially because as a community college teacher, many of my students are non-traditional and older in nature. I establish my credentials by telling the students my background: I've taught for eight colleges, I've spent several years in the private sector by now, and I am passionate about taking the material and making it relevant and interesting for them... other econ instructors often just take the PowerPoints and read from them, so to speak. I like to watch the students become excited about the material from the onset, and that can only happen once they have established trust that I am a credible, yet engaging and entertaining, instructor.
I think that the right amount of confidence and sense of humor can be a great attitude for teaching. Also, instructors should be very knowledgable in their field to carry a positive image.
First show the class that you are an expert in your field, then show them why they should learn and be excited about learning this topic.
I, too, believe it's important to dress professionally, even when the students are showing up to class in cutoff shorts and tank tops.
It positions me as the leader of the class.
I feel like I demonstrate expertise in my field while being willing and open to admit when I don't know the answer to a question. I then problem solve with the students so not only do we all end up knowing the answer, they know how to go about solving similar problems in the future.
I try to be simultaneously the authority figure and a relatable human being.
Hi Bo,
The portal is an awesome tool! It is the way for the teaching world! As educators we should always lead by example.
Patricia Scales
Often times, I shared my professional experiences with students.
Also, organized everything on the Portal (computer).
It is easy to me and also students to check all the assignments, quiz and project.
Being confident in what you know and how you express the confidence. Don't come across cocky or arragant but professional. Many times instructors ego's start to show.
I believe the best way to create a positive instructor image is by maintaining your professionalism. Id like to think of myself as an approachable instructor, but my professionalism lets my students know not to cross certain boundries.
Show up early to class. Dress the part. Take control of the classroom from day one
It is especially important that as instructors, we don't engage in negative comments with the students. We have to maintain our professionalism with students and should respect our peers. This will gain us more respect with the students in the long run. They do share information.
Regards,
Hi Robert,
I lead by example in all areas to project a postivie instructor image. Our students watch us closely in every way.
Patricia Scales
I argree complty we all in try if were good instrutors to learn from our mistakes and change our ways of presting the topic.
Hi Joanne,
I love greeting my class. Greeting your class is the perfect opening to any class. Students pay attention when the instructor greets them. Granted some will greet back, others won't, but I still feel good about me by greeting my students.
Patricia Scales
Greet your class in a positive manner, research topics before lecture and make sure you are providing the correct information. Also, being able to admit when you don't know something or when you are wrong.
Being honest with your students, if you dont know the answer say you dont know and will look it up. Knowlege is a must, but we do not have to know EVERYTHING. :)
Hi Kenisha,
I love your perspective! I can tell you are an effective educator.
Patricia Scales
A positive instructor image can be created by being Fun, Firm, and Fair. Fun and engaging; Firm and consistent; and Fair and impartial.
