Jacob, I understand your comments but I do feel there are times that you simply need to be honest with your students and if you do not know the answer to a question, simply let them know you do not know but you will find out and get back with them. No one can know everything so if a topic comes up that was not a primary focus of the course but a student is asking a question in a related area, not knowing is not the problem, rather the willingness to get the information to the student and let them know how you researched the question is a true teachable moment.
James Jackson
I feel that in order for an instructor to be Successful, he/she must be professional, prepared to teach the class, and be well versed in the subject. Our students come to us for help, guidance, and answers on the subject. The worst thing we can say is “I don’t know, I don’t always teach this class†or something in that manner. At that point one has already set themselves up to fail.
misty, be fair but firm, lead by example and aspire to be the teacher you would want for your own children.
James Jackson
Rochelle, the only constant is change so embrace the changing times and focus on how you can continually grow from your own mistakes and make a true difference in the lives of your students.
James Jackson
The most important traits as a instructor myself include having a great rapport, knowledge of subject matter, fair decisions and to uphold the campus rules and regualtions. Students seem to have a certain level of respect for you when they are involved in the learning environemnt and the instructor is enjoys their role.
Heidi, transition takes time and what is inspiring about your post is you know where you are and where you want to go. In my experience of 14 years I see you in the upper 5% of instructors. Keep moving forward and you will go from a good instructor now to a great instructor in the near future. We as professionals never reach protection but we find joy and satisfaction in this pursuit.
James Jackson
Robert, great job. Students view us as instructors from many different angles and we must always be positive and motivational. They are students and are expected to fail from time to time. We are professionals and must always be the model to follow and lead by example.
James Jackson
Maksuda, well stated and is in alignment with an old saying: Praise in public but provide corrective instruction in private.
James Jackson
HI, I think it is important to be open to the student's thoughts. Since we teach adults, we need to treat them as such. We need to let them know why it is important to learn what we are learning and how it is used in the field. That way they push themselves to do better. Since they are adults, we do not want to embaress them, so when a rule is broken, We should talk to them on the side and on a one-on-one basis. We need to be friendly and firm at the same time. I always ask them, would you do this infront of your boss, and they always can relate to why the rules are the way they are.
In my opinion, a good instructor caters to the needs of their students without compromising the objectives of the course. Classroom management comes with the initial introduction and establishment of classroom roles. An instructor-student relationship is all that is needed.
Successful instructors are able to establish a good rapport with students while maintaining authority in the classroom. Students appreciate the structure and order, while still feeling respected.
Emma, I like the word organized with respect to the classroom. Controlled can be also considered confining. Students need freedom to express themselves but need guidance on the proper and acceptable methods of such expression.
James Jackson
LE, well stated. The focus is to always be mindful of student perception and do all you can to ensure your students feel safe, valued and can see your passion for the subject matter and your desire to see them learn and understand.
James Jackson
christine, being honest is critical. Students can see through false fronts and know when you are faking your emotions. Be yourself and always show passion for your subject and for life long learning.
James Jackson
Honest concern & caring for the students needs academic and otherwise.
I believe that a good instructor must blend patience and understanding with a consistent focus on the objectives of the class. If an instructor can demonstrate concern for, and interest in his students the students typically respond favorably. They are also likely to work to support the maintenance of a positive learning environment. In general, the instructor is the only person in the room who "Knows" where the class needs to go in a particular session and must balance the time pressure with the need to recognize students as people and allow them to the time they need to be prepared to learn.
I think someone who is level headed and professional in a way that students can easily respect is important for good classroom management. I think it is also important that they follow through on rules and regulations that are broken to uphold respect for policies in the school- students see that and know they won't be able to get away with anything in the classroom, and the students who do follow the rules function better in a controlled environment where they can be rewarded for their good behavior (by being in a controlled and comfortable environment)
Henry, students can see through those that are not genuine. Treating all students as equals and with respect can go a long way.
James Jackson
Joshua, the presence of the instructor and perceptions of the students are true factors in classroom management. What actions do you take early with new groups of students and what do consistent messages do you broadcast in your classes?
James Jackson
Some of the most important characteristics an instructor can exhibit is a sense of fairness with every student they encounter. It does not matter what the student GPA is nor their pedigree. Once that has been established the students can feel that there is something different about the atmosphere of that particular class room. They see the instructor as a person who is genuine and authentic with a desire to see all students be successful in their endeavors.
