Act professionally, dress the part, be organized, and take charge of the class. I am a very young instructor, so I must utilize these three key areas to distinguish myself from the students. My age has a tends to be a burden that I must overcome. I find those 4 elements are essential to success.
Hi Mark,
I like your steps! I concur! You're in the wrong professional if you are trying to be cool and be one of the boys or girls.
Patricia
Hi Neader,
I love your thought process on this whole idea! I care tell that you are very caring. Students need to know that we truly care.
Patricia
Hi Jennifer,
Yes, you certainly cannot wait to start any later. The establishment has to be made from the very beginning.
Patricia
Hi Tonia,
Great! Sounds like you do what is suppose to be done as an instructor. Preparation is the key to success in education.
Patricia
Hi,
As an instructor it is important to be knowledgeable in our field of instruction and present ourselves in a professional manner. Because of the diverse backgrounds of our students, sometimes "how much you know" takes a backseat to "how much you care" for some of our students. When they see that you are genuinely concerned about their success they sometimes have more motivation to take on the task of learning and try harder. When the lights come on and they "get it" I share the joy. Don't get me wrong, we MUST be professionals but we must also address other needs that find their way into the classroom. Not every day is going to smell like roses, but those that do "take a big whiff". It will come in handy and help us smile when we have a challenging day.
I think that I am very organized and ready for my class every day.
I do professionally establish that I am the istructor in the classroom however I do eknowledge each and every student.
my self convidence is great and I do believe that my students respecte me as their instructor.
The early bird gets the worm!
Step 1 Be prepared
Step 2 Be prepared
Step 3 Be prepared
In the Army Rangers they have a saying, two is one and one is none. You must have a back up plan and know that things are going to go wrong. If you have done your reverse analysis of the day you will be prepared and will have an alternate plan when and if they do.
Step 4 Be up beat, engaging, and positive
Step 5 Connect on the appropriate level.
Step 6 Be dressed appropriately - Nothing I dislike more than a professor in a t-shirt b/c he is "cool".
I believe coming to class prepared, showing respect to the students and showing that you have the ability and the knowledge to teach the required material all portrays a positive instructor image. And, this image starts at day one.
Hi Patricia,
I always smile when I walk into class. I tell the students Good Morning or Good Evening. I ask them if they had a nice weekend. I write objectives on the board. I dress professionally and act professionally. I encourage thinking but not judgement. Appropriate language is required by all students. In other words I have expectations. I am prepared and I always have a Plan B in case Plan A doesn't work.
Hi Joe,
I hear you loud and clear. Students really do want an instructor who is very energetic. You have some a lot younger than you who do not display nearly the energy you display.
Patricia
Hi Robert,
Greeting students on the first day is definitely a plus. Students feel special. It shows that you are personable, approachable, friendly, etc.
Patricia
Hi Aaron,
How do you go about creating a positive instructor image?
Patricia
Showing that you are prepared and serious about your class and the students successfully completing their course shows on the first day.
Being organized shows that you are ready to share your experience and expertise in the course.
This really gave me some pointers in improving our classroom experience
On the first day, I greet the students at the door as they come in with a smile on my face and look them in their eyes as they walk through. As you discuss what the class consists of, show the students pictures of what you have done and let them know of your misfortunes. Laugh about it and let the students know that not only did you learn how to repair a problem, but that you also learned how not to do it many times. It is light but it also lets the students know that you are not just teaching from a book.
I make sure I have energy. I'm 55 years old, so the level of energy I exhibit is indicative of my interest in the class, the subject matter and the students. It translates into an animated and alert lecture and discussion (and hopefully, interesting as well). I want my energy to be contagious. These students often juggle school with jobs, families, personal issues and rigorous social lives. The last thing they need is to have to watch a tired old man try to explain new concepts to them. (No offense to my fellow quinquagenarians.)
Hi Charles,
I can tell you really encourage your students. We must set high standards for our students and trust that they will rise to the expectations. You get from your students what you expect.
Patricia
Share with students some of you're experences that you find humorus to break the ice and let them know you have high standards as well as expectations for them as a group.Also help them overcome their fears and let them know that you can work together with them to turn their weeknesses into strengths.
Hi Sara,
There are not many instructors that read papers/homework etc. Instructors should do their jobs and carefully examine turned in work.
Patricia
