I think being prepared yet flexible is the most important. But being consistant so the students know what to expect is also important and I think will gain respect from student. Being on time is also important.
I have found that if we are able to manage the student, engage them and do respond back in a timely manner, they will see that we do care about their well being and also the way that they will do in terms of the overall classroom performance. I do see when I apply these skills when students do in fact email me telling me how well I have done in terms of facilitating the class, or at least how immediate I was in terms of responding to them. They appreciate the fact as well that I am present in the discussions, and answered questions within 12 hours. This give them the confidence and also helps our retention.
Marco Albarran
In the tech school that I teach the student population may be 18 to 60 year old and the challenges are all reflected in this course. I find that being the guide is effective with the mature and aged student and a combination of buddy, controller, and guide are a must for younger less mature students. I found it interesting and informative during the discussion concerning the directors being involved in the management and discipline of the overall student population. In our school instructors are expected to carry a larger roll in the overall discipline of the student body.
I believe an instructors professionalism, knowledge of the topic and the ability to adapt to a variety of situations are important components for good classroom management.
I believe that the trait of successful instructor is to lead by example, treat everyone with respect and dignity. Provide some guidance and assistance while praising the students effort and small successes and improvement
Above anything, a good Instructor should be respectful, professional, knowledgeable & approchable. Respectful to all the students who take their class so that the instructor will also receive respect from them. Professional in all aspects of the word, whether it be from our behavior to our language. Knowledgeable so that the students feel like their questions are being answered to the fullest extent & not wasting their time, they crave a learning enviroment. Lastly approchable, they neeed to feel like they can ask anything & get a knowledgeable & respectful answer to their questions even if it does not pertain to the subject matter.
In my opinion, I think good instructors must be patient but firm. They should also be caring and show it. Good instructors need to be prepared for lecture and provide alternate methods to deliver material besides lecturing.
Roy, a buddy tends to be someone who will take your side on an issue or provide comfort when you are down. A guide is the person that takes you out of your comfort zone to take you to that next level of skill, knowledge, or ability. Dr. Joe Pace from The Pacific Institute would say to have an intelligent heart which is the guides that cares, this is still different from the buddy as it is explained in the course. Please share your thoughts here, it is OK to disagree and create some dialog here. Thanks for anything you care to share.
James Jackson
I truly believe that an instructor that is mindful, respectful, and display "guiding" characteristics are the most successful instructors.
Humility........
I let the students know that I am also a learner in the journey of life.
In the Culinary field we are constantly changing with the times and as a Chef I also need to be abrest of the new trends and changes that are constantly happening. Be passionate about your career,
My Motto:
"I never want to get to the top of the mountain, once there, there is only one way to go....So never stop climing the mountain"
My opinion is that a good instructor should be a strong mixture of the buddy and guide with a good grip on controlling how the students act and respond to the lessons being taught. Not just the ciriculum, also the life lessons that all instructors should be giving, professionalism, respect, and personal control.
I teach at several different schools in medical programs. One school is a Medical Assisting school with students just out of high school and the other school is a vocational nursing school with several working adults returning to school to further their educational goals. I find that adaptability between controller and buddy is imperative depending on the class and level of student interest in successful completion of the material. I get challenged a lot at the medical assisting school with student outbursts, sleeping in class, disruptive side conversations and jokes. It is hard for me at times to focus on my interest and desire to share information when the class seems so disinterested. I appreciate this course and the approach to adaptability.
I agree seeing as thou I teach adults, I believe everyone should be treated with respect
Julie, it is easier than you think to focus on the guide. Keep this in mind, a buddy will find ways to let students know it is OK to fail while a guide will inspire the failures to become learning opportunities and inspire their students to achieve things beyond their own aspirations. Focus on being the guide and let their friends become their buddies.
James Jackson
Stephen, agree 100% on the difference between an educator versus a teacher. Great teachers are educators first and regardless of their job title will always provide instruction and guidance as it is part of who they are and not what they are paid to do.
James Jackson
Vivian, a friend lets you get away with not reaching your potential, while a great instructor inspires you to go beyond what others see in you and achieve things beyond your own aspirations. Be an instructor and not a friend. Great post.
James Jackson
ibrahim, great post and very well stated. Churchill had it correct and I would add that all great instructors have all three of these traits all of the time. Anytime you see an instructor of the year award issued and you do some investigation into their background and experiences, you will always find they mastered the three traits you describe.
James Jackson
Barry, one size will never fit all. We have rules to cover 80% of the situations that will take place but there will always be that 20% that will take some critical thinking, creative thinking and problem solving. If it were simple, everyone would be an instructor but teaching is not easy and it takes creative and innovation at times to meet the needs of your students. Be fair but firm and above all things be consistent.
James Jackson
Tanya, well stated. Can you share any examples where you noticed a student was not on their "A" game and you brought this to their attention? How do you approach your student and what was the result of the encounter? Sharing such examples can be helpful to other instructors looking to change up some of their classroom tactics. Thanks for anything you can share.
James Jackson
Marybeth, knowledge is power as the saying goes and you are working to spread your knowledge to your students thus providing them the power to take more control over their lives. Tell them this is taking place and you will see a difference in many of your students. Sometimes they just need a better understanding of what you are doing for them and with them versus their initial thoughts of what they perceive as you are doing to them. Lead by example and being prepared for every lesson is a key element to earning your students trust and respect.
James Jackson
