Obviously there are many qualities that are important but I believe a positive attitude is the single most important one.
Caring & having passion for what you teach is a very important quality for an isntructor. The instructor is most likely very knowledgable about the subject & will try to instill the same feeling into the students.
Pamela,
Lets face it, life happens. School can sometimes take a backseat. But, if we show students that we can assist while life is happening they are more likely to try.
Philip Campbell
Allen,
True, if they see you like they will. If they see you hate they will discount everything you say.
Philip Campbell
Sarah,
The more a student feels comfortable the better their outlook is.
Philip Campbell
I believe a highly effective instructors stems from a person that can relate to the students. All instructors have been a student in their lifetime. An instructor that show compassion and understanding are in my opinion can help a student achieve their goals in life.
You have to let your students know that you have a great love for tne subject you are teaching them. You have to let them know that you are very intersted in them learning all they can from you and becoming a master of that subject.
I agree with you. If you go the extra mile for your students so they can master the subject, they feel more motivated to continue on.
The most important quality that sets highly effective instructors apart from others is a combination of soft skills that include a positive attitude, the ability to inspire students, and conflict resolution in the classroom. If an instructor is passionate and positive in the classroom, students are more likely to be engaged and active in the class. Students are very smart and can pick up on changes in their instructor's moods and attitudes. If an instructor cannot effectively manage his/her emotions, the classroom dynamic will suffer. Passion and emotional intelligence set highly effective instructors apart.
marlene,
Listening to students is important, and sometimes all they want.
Philip Campbell
I beleive that a combination of skills are important. Empathy and excitment come with being a good listener with the student.
When an instructor enjoys teaching the students and gets satisfaction from helping others learn and gain confidence and competetence, everyone (including the teacher) has fun and learns. I have always said that I have learned more than I've taught. When I drop my ego and connect with the students on a level that I demonstrate learning from them, a positive dynamic takes place. They feel a part of the learning process from receiving and delivering. It levels the playing field for the all of the students despite their current experience level. What the instructor demonstrates in his positive interaction, the students will emulate.
I tend to agree with the idea that there needs to be a balance when it come to being overly empathetic. I would like my students to know that they can come to me if there is a problem or personal issue, But at the same time, they need to know that I will not be able to solve their problem. I can be there to listen and possibly provide preliminary advice. But the end result will always depend on their decisions.
Tammy,
Having a good blend of the skills is important.
Philip Campbell
I think that highly effective instructors have empathy, hard and soft skills and are able to blend them together at the correct times during instruction.
Highly effective instructors are able to relate to studnets needs i.e caring and compassion
I believe that communication is the most important quality of a highly effective instuctor.
Julie,
Good Point. There has to be a line in the sand that we do not cross.
Philip Campbell
I strive to connect with each student every day. Whether On a a technical or personal level. I teach cooking and food is a subject that we can all share stories about.
Something as simple as "what did you cook last night?" Is a great way to start interactions and open dialogs.
I believe having soft skills is truely an important asset. However if I am not carefull with being overly empathetic to my students it may scew my judgement while accessing my students technical skills. Therefore I feel its extremely important to find the right ballance between soft and hard skills. Although I believe soft skills can be learned, its been my experience that people who exibit good soft skills best, are those who just have an inherent good disposition about them.
