I believe instructors should have a passion for the subject they are teaching. Students will notice this passion and become more interested and attentive to the class. Instructors should also be able to get the students involved in the class and excited about what they are learning. This will help students to understand the material in a much better way, as well as to retain the information they have learned.
I believe being fully prepared is key. I liked the concept of having an alternative should something change or go wrong during the class experience. I will also go back to providing an overview of the class on the whiteboard. I stopped doing but included it as one slide in my PP presentation.
gayle, the first step of moving from a good instructor to a truly great instructor is a willingness to look at yourself and see if a change is needed on your end. The best instructors I know went through several stages of perfecting their techniques before they were considered to be really great. Keep up the awesome work and your students are lucky to have you as their guide.
James Jackson
Lani, do you feel lecturing is the only way to get information out to your students? If 80% of your students understand the materials while 20% struggle do you feel the 20% are not working hard enough? Lecture may not always be the best approach and I highly recommend you do some of your own research on teaching and learning to investigate other methods of delivering a lesson plan. Obviously if 100% of your students are responding well to your lectures then there is nothing that will need to be changed but if you consistently notice a few students struggling time after time then there are other methods that may prove to be helpful.
James Jackson
After my lecture, pop quiz is very effective to check whether they got the information or not.
Of course knowledge and love of the course being taught, but more than that I think is consistency. I know that I struggle with getting caught up in the personal struggles that my students are experincing, and have realized that I am more of a "Buddy" than a "Guide"
I believe that instructors are respected by students when the class is interactive and yet holds clear boundaries for the student to know there is a time for fun and a time for work.
The instructor needs to be well organized and structured but be able to show flexibility when adjustments need to be made in the classroom. The instructor needs to be clear in her/his expectations and consistently follow through but also know when to allow a little leeway or modification for special circumstances.
I agree. I think it is very important to know your material and convey it to your student with fun.
Richard, great points. In addition to knowing the subject matter, instructors also need to understand how current events relate to their area and what trends their students need to anticipate into the future.
James Jackson
Richard, well stated. Spending that extra time with those students that have additional needs is what separates educators from trainers. Both teach but educators are focused on the individual and not just the job.
James Jackson
Earl, excellent point and not only do instructors need to be role models but they need to also understand they must always bring their "A" game the moment they walk through the doors of the institution.
James Jackson
I believe that instructors must be a role model for the students. Their behavior and communication style should reflect what is expected of the students. Instructors must be adaptable an willing to put the student's needs first. Also, instructors should be team players. They must work together with administrators and other instructors in creating a proper learning environment.
I feel that being a good listener, knowing the subject and material are helpful to being a successful instructor
Being a good listener, being supportive. providing extra time before or after class for those students that need alittle extra
Shannon, well stated and students can easily identify someone who is NOT really passionate about their subject matter.
James Jackson
John, this is a great list but can you elaborate a bit on each one? Thanks for anything you can share.
James Jackson
Frances, great rule and one that is not applied as much as one would think. There is also the Silver rule which basically states to NOT treat others as they may treat you if in a negative fashion. Just because a student has a bad day does not release us as instructors to always be on our "A" game. Thanks for sharing.
James Jackson
jesse, great post and I like the deeper thought process of not only being passionate about your own field but about inspiring others to join your field and make a contribution. Keep up the great work with your students.
James Jackson
olaolu, this is a good list but can you elaborate a bit on each one? Thanks for anything you can provide.
James Jackson
