To be a successful instructor one needs to be well versed in the subject that they are teaching.
Besides that in my opinion, it is important to be professional, respectful and understanding.
Although the rules that are set forth are to be followed by all students, knowing not all students' situation is alike and to be able to deal with that tactfully.
It is important to show that you care about their success and that you will be there to support them all the way through.
When you gain students trust and earn their respect managing classroom can be easy.
Yesenia, I really like your comment on leading by example. Some instructors feel they have different rights than their students and they utilize a do as I say and not as I do mentality. Good to see that your focus is to show students proper behavior by modeling the way versus just telling them what you expect. Keep up the great work.
James Jackson
Eric, do you experience any problems being authoritative while showing a good attitude? Some students see these as opposing personality traits and I am interested in your experiences.
James Jackson
John, can you share some of your teaching methods that you feel are inspirational to your students and how do you measure such outcomes? Thanks for anything you can share with our other readers. Keep up the great work.
James Jackson
I believe an instructor has to be an inspirational guide through his or her teaching methods to empower students with valuable education.
Having a good attitude and willingness to help others. Also being able to be authoritative is a good trait as well.
Characteristics that are important for good classroom management are respect, professionalism, and communication. Instructors need to be professional at all times and lead by example. Teachers must use appropriate language, dress professionally, and adhere to school guidelines in order for students to do the same. In addition, instructors must be effective communicators to state their expectations clearly, and most importantly, be consistent with the implementation of classroom rules.
I chose this course so I could improve on my classroom mangement style. First to discover what my classroom management style was and secondly to improve on the teacher/instructor that I already am. I find that I tend to lean toward the guide with some buddy characteristics. First and foremost treating students/people with respect is a good starting point for teacher/student repoire'. My weakness in the classrooom which is an attribute of the buddy is enforcing some of the policies, for example, in dealing with hair/nails, tattoos, I struggle with these policies because I think they are unrealistic in a world where just about everyone under the age of 30 has a tattoo if not a number of tattoos. It was not part of my generations thing but I do not want to be the tattoo gastopo.
I believe it takes a combination of the Controller and the Guide and the ability to know when and how to use them to control the classroom to enhance learning.
During lecture I am very controlling to keep the class on track, I do not allow questions or interjection? If I let the students interrupt the lecture I have found that the question is normally answered later on in the lecture and is a distraction for the students. I do not let the lecture run more than 10 min. I then ask the students if there are any questions or points they want to make or more information about the topic. Usually there is discussion about the topic after the lecture, then the Guide steps in to facilitate the discussion and keep it on subject.
The buddy is the least one I use, but, when I have a student with a personnel issue he wants to discuss, I try to listen.
Lisa, I agree with your statement about being professional and personable. A good guide will know how to manage the proper balance between personal and professional.
James Jackson
Christopher, well stated. The focus here is to earn the respect of your students by achieving the learning outcomes that will prepare them for the next level of classes and for their future careers. Sometimes this will require taking students outside of their comfort zones which usually does not take place with the buddy instructor and to engage students and learn from them as they learn from you which does not take place as a controller instructor.
James Jackson
Katie, you need to be able to open up to a limit so you can get them to open up. This does not require you to share your most personal aspects of your life but it is important you create some neutral facts about your life so students will open up to you. For example you would not need to share with them any difficult times in your life specifically but it can be a positive experience that students know your life is similar to theirs if this turns out to be the case. Another example would be to let them know you have a loving family but you would not need to get into details about specifics of who is in your family or ages of any children. My neutral "story" includes some basic facts about living in the Midwest all my life, having spent some time in the Navy, teaching for over 20 years and I love spending time with my family. This is about as detailed as I ever get with my students. I hope this helps in some way.
James Jackson
Daniel, great comment. We need to inspect what we expect from our students and we do so in a caring and compassionate manner. Students do need to be trained how to be accountable and this is part of our charge as their instructor.
James Jackson
Betsy, well stated and remember that a quality guide is always in control and can relate to students they care about the students future and course outcomes. Keep up the great work.
James Jackson
Clifton, a guide can still share some of the traits of a buddy but the real focus is on student outcomes. Better to have their respect and see them successful than always looking to have them like you as a friend. Friends rarely challenge each other to go outside of their comfort zones while we as instructors need to make this a common practice.
James Jackson
David, can you share some of the ways you lead by example? Thanks for anything you can share.
James Jackson
Eric, you may want to consider the traits of the guide versus controller and buddy. A good guide can create a fun yet disciplined learning environment. I am interested in your thoughts or let me know if you disagree.
James Jackson
Timothy, do you ever discuss the importance of these traits with your students? May be a good learning opportunity for them as they grow and learn how to earn their own level of respect from their peers and colleagues. Thanks for sharing.
James Jackson
A good instructor should be respectful, trust worthy, honest and fair. at all times. as long as you follow these things student will respect you and you will end up with a better learning inviroment.
The traits of successful instructor should be a controller and buddy; instructor should create a fun learning environment with discipline and respect of the course objective. Instructor should show motivation be enthusiastic and care for the course, be professional on the material and helpful.
Eric Andre
