Mary,
Being able to adapt to your environment as an instructor is important to being an effective instructor. Keep up the great work.
Philip Campbell
I belive it is the ability to articulate that you are in the same game as a live long learner.
Many answers to this question included attitude and energy/enthusiasm. While I agree with those answers, I feel it is also important to be adaptable to the students abilities and surroundings. We all know that we do not get "cookie cutter" students in each classroom setting. An instructor needs to be able to communicate effectively with all types of learners. I find myself using several different examples of a concept sometimes. Bottom line - I do whatever it takes to get through. Change is constant, therefore we need to be able to adapt to it.
Michelle,
You bring up maturity. I think that is an interesting point and do you think that the level of maturity has changed from generation to generation?
Philip Campbell
I think people start their career based on their hard skills but come to realize that they are not enough in managing many aspects of the job. The instructors with better people skill and soft skills are the one who are more successful. Thats why faculty development on these soft skills is more important than professional development in the subject matter. Many professionals who are expert in their field tirn out to be not very good instructors due to lack of of the lack of application of the soft skills. Grooming soft skills needs to be a priority in the academic institutes.
Emotional Intelligence is an important attribute for a highly effective instructor. I find that students can be emotional beings, regardless of their age. The younger generation is simply due to immaturity. However, I find that the adult learners tend to exhibit more emotions because of life stresses such as family, work, finances, and attending school once again. This is a problem that I have encountered during my instruction. Learning to improve my soft skills by acknowledging and controlling my own emotional intelligence will help me become adequately equipped to deal with and empathize with the students when they do no exhibit emotional control. Is it as easy as it sounds?
Jose,
Shared expectations with students will lead to an interactive classroom. If they know what you want, chances are they will perform.
Philip Campbell
Cynthia,
Respect is a skill that is sometimes hard to come by. Keep role modeling this for students.
Philip Campbell
consistency and clear are the key there are no favorites within a group of students all of them they share similar expectations and goals.
William,
Well said. Students are walking into a different atmosphere in the classroom and having them feel comfortable is important.
Philip Campbell
There are many soft skills that are important not only in our role as instructors, but in our day-to-day lives. However, in working with adult students, I have found the skill of respect (which I feel can encompass many soft skills) can go a long way in the interaction and response of my students both in a professional and personal manner. By showing someone respect, although they may suffer from low self esteem or even anger issues, they will usually rise to whatever the occasion. To top it off, I will never tire of hearing a "Thank You" from a student at the end of the evening. Makes it all worthwhile.
While it is certainly important to know your subject and have the technical skills to deliver the information, it is also import that you be approachable by the students. This requires demonstrating the 'soft' skills in a none threatening way.
William Austin DC
Highly effective teachers have great soft skills.
Alisa,
Checking for understanding in the students will help them and you to figure out what you need to go over again.
Philip Campbell
Thomas,
I second that. Motivation is different for everyone who gives it and receives it.
Philip Campbell
I have to taken into consideration that showing and expressing your concerns in their shortcomings is very helpful. Not only caring about grades but the level of understanding.
It is hard for me to break it down into one important quality. I believe that highly effective instructors will have a positive, inspiring attitude and will carry themselves with integrity and respect. If an instructor doesn't give respect to the students, how can they expect to be respected?
Enthusiasm is contagious... but truly caring about your students, especially non-traditional students who come to the educational process with multiple life problems and are often prone to give up. It is important to attempt to inspire them and to encourage them to continue.
Krista,
Passion for the job that you do will help to drive result with the students.
Philip Campbell
I believe passion makes a highly effective instructor. Not only should a teacher be passionate about their respective subjects that they teach, but they should also be passionate about making a difference in their students' lives. They should care about the students and help them succeed as much as possible.
