I believe that the most important quality in an instructor is that he/she be able to reach to the student. I have seen instructors who are very knowledgeable in their subject but does not know how to integrate the student in class. The student will then feel that he/she is not learning, or that the class is too monotonous making it boring, or come up with any other excuse for him/her begin to miss class.
When the student is always present, on time and eager to participate, the instructor must be making them feel right.
As an instructor you must have a passion for the subject matter that you teach. Educating is a very rewarding job. It becomes challenging when the students don’t share that passion as you, and soft skills should come into place to motivate and challenge you to try harder to instill that passion on those students. This will create a better atmosphere in class and will benefit the rest of the students as well. As the instructor you should bring a lot of energy to the classroom which in turn will permeate into the entire students.
sometimes you have to teach in environments that are truly challenging, with very unmotivated students from enviroments with social problems where studying is not exactly a merit. in such situations is where a teacher has to grow and gather all the soft skills known and to know, i find that sometimes is more important to first gain the respect and sympathy of your students than rigidly focus on instruction, be a role model can be more important than demonstrating a masterful knowledge of the content.
Jonathan,
Yes, those applications make for great experiences in the classroom.
Philip Campbell
Carmen,
Many times a sense of confidence in someone is all they need in order to be successful.
Philip Campbell
Heather,
Keep sharing your passion with them and they will thank you for it.
Philip Campbell
Steve,
Great feedback and points. Keep up the good work with your students.
Philip Campbell
I agree that a positive attitude is critical. I also think that providing a practical application to your lessons is very important in a Career College.
I think one important quality is to have fun with what you are teaching, and what the students are learning. In this way, the instructor always keeps the students' attention as well as their involvement. Another important quality is to remain optimistic and positive with the students in the classroom. Let them know that they are more than capable and more than able to accomplish the goals of learning, without worry.
The passion and dedication to your field. I try to promote a high engery level teaching and love for the field of massage. I want all of my students to share in the passion and believe in thier skills to help others.
An ability to balance hard skills and work place skills. An ability to tell students about success in terms of soft skills and that hard skill will evolve as software and advances; but, their soft skills are and how they are maintained and practiced will allow them to progress in their field.
The challenge I embrace most as a teacher is to inspire my students to be the best version of themselves in all they do. Their success is my success and through them I can influence the future and future lives for the better. Looking back, I see the essence of each stage of my life that has led to this outcome. The outcome here being the content I feel in my line of profession.
Overcoming the various obstacles that stood in my path during this journey has been worthwhile mainly because now I am part of the Monroe people at Career Training College (CTC). Earlier on I thought that the only way I could contribute significantly to the health sector was by becoming a physician myself. I am glad that this is not the reality of things and content with the way in which things have unraveled and led me to this destination in my professional career.
Denise,
That is a great example, and one that needs to be stressed even more. Also not the easiest thing to do.
Philip Campbell
Aarti,
Empathy will go a long way with the students. They can tell when you do and when you do not care.
Philip Campbell
Having a positive attitude and not letting the situations outside the classroom be brought inside the classroom.
In my opinion, the most important quality that an instructor should have is empathy. Students come from different backgrounds and may be at different levels of education. An effective instructor will empathize with these students and do his/her best to provide the necessary opportunities and resources to enhance their learning.
David,
Clear expectations can help the students and the teachers.
Philip Campbell
Win,
Non-Threatening is the key. Keep up the good work.
Philip Campbell
Marybeth,
Students read us a lot easier than what we give them credit for.
Philip Campbell
Susan,
There are so many, and yes enthusiasm is probably at the top.
Philip Campbell
