I think an instructor that truly listens to their students is effective. Not only will they gain the trust of their students, by listening and validating their thoughts and feelings, the instructor is creating a positive environment for students to feel comfortable coming to the instructor with questions and concerns.
In my opinion the most important quality most highly effective instructors posses that sets them apart from others is their ability to empathetic to there students needs. Most students face have several obstacles outside of the class room that may prevent them from being successful effective instructors have the ability to address these needs and help their students over come there issues.
Passion for your craft coupled with high standards and the ability to work successfully with others (students, peers, and higher-ups) makes an effective instructor. All with an eye toward student success (true success, not just numbers).
I think a highly effective instructor needs to be able to inspire students and convey their enjoyment for teaching as well as learning about their subject matter. I always try to incorporate my own experience and show them how the information they are learning is vital to their future in this field.
Students feed off of the attitude and demeanor instructors present in the classroom. Positive learning environments are displayed in the classroom that includes a confident instructor (not too overbearing), structure, and consistency. Students expect instructors to be prepared, just as the instructor expects the student to be prepared. Setting clear and concise ground rules at the beginning of the class will allow the instructor to manage the class and be effective instructors. In my opinion, these are great qualities and attributes of an effective instructor in the classroom.
Lance,
Great points. A positive attitude will always prevail.
Philip Campbell
I feel that the highly effective teachers are always positive and understanding towards the students. By showing good attitude and encouragement it helps the student feel better about themselves and promotes wanting to learn.
Tim,
I cannot agree with you more. When I can show my own vulnerabilities, and show a human side to my students, then everyone seems to be more relaxed, and more effective teaching and learning takes place.
Highly effective instructors enjoy their jobs, and care enough about the students and theri jobs to keep striving for improvement. By improvement, I mean both your soft skills (i.e. active listening skills, conflict management skills, communication skills, relatedness skills), and technical skills.
Highly effective instructors are those instructors that leads by example. They exhibit the highest integrity, they learn from their students, and show respect for their students and their co-workers.
Paula,
Stay enthusiastic. Your students appreciate it.
Philip Campbell
I have a very enthusiastic approach to my students. They know that and when I use my soft skills I can impart knowledge, ideas and values in a way that my learners are receptive. My professionalism and integrity are on the line with each encounter and I can tell by student reactions how I am doing.
Georgia,
Great points, that is also demonstrating some nice soft skills.
Philip Campbell
Highly effective instructor help students adapt to their new enviornment by being polite,tactful and show sincere interest in their success.
rebecca,
Developing a background for the students is important to retention of the material.
Philip Campbell
If the instructor can relate to the students the instructor can form the content of the lesson to relate to the student. The lesson will be more meaningful to the student and they will retain the info better.
An instructor is not just a dispenser of facts. When the instructor demonstrates the the ultimate goal is not just grades but learning the path is opened to feedback and an exchange of ideas that engages the student and promotes real growth.
I am constantly amazed at how well the students can read me. I have made an effort to always expect the best by projecting a sincere commitment to the student's success and development (for example by holding frequent, positive verbal interactions). It does take a positive attitude and very high energy level.
Positive attitude is such an important attribute in engaging students, making them feel safe, and teaching them how one should behave in a workplace environment. They do need to leave their personal issues at home and not bring their problems to work.
Theodore,
If you are honest the students will be honest with you.
Philip Campbell
I believe that Integrity is the most important quality that an instructor must have to be effective. Once the student arrives at the point where he can depend on the instructor then the learning process can take off. The student will be more receipt to receive your technical knowledge.
