Maksuda,
Equality is great, but we nee to work as a team to get that as well. Unfortunately there are still teachers who are impartial to some students. We all need to be on the same level when dealing with students.
Philip Campbell
It is important to care about the students and see all students equally. Also it is important to help students feel comfortable and motivated to learn. As instructors we need to make the students feel that they can do this, and that we do care about them.
Jessica,
Setting the expectations are important and the earlier and the more clear they are the better it is for you.
Philip Campbell
I see that Instructors that are highly motivated by the courses and courses content are more effective. They genuinely care about the information and have a passion for it and it comes across in lecture. Taking the time to listen and find out what motivates your students should be done in the 1st day of class.
I agree with this. Students can tell if you genuinely know the subject you teach and if you genuinely care for their success. I know I did when I was a student, and I always did better when I knew my mentor was cheering me on.
Patty,
Many studies have been done about setting expectations. If you set them low, that is where students will go to, if you set them high the students will get there. Keep up the good work.
Philip Campbell
I believe that you have hit upon some key issues that definitely make a difference in whether or not one becomes or is a highly effective instructor. We have to have that positive attitude that displays to students that we are happy to be there instructing them on a topic we feel strongly about. We must also; as you state, have a great deal of integrity to enable us to be that role model for students. I have found that when I am clear and set my expectations high, students have a tendency to reach those heights....especially when I congratulate them on a job well done. We must be careful not to be overly critical or they will begin to feel that we have no faith in them and they stop trying.
I would have to agree with that. You can tell when an instructor is interested and cares about what they are teaching as it comes through in the way that they present it, and when an instructor may not like or think a subject is as important they present it differently. This can cause your students to become disenfranchised with the instructor or alienates those students that may find that topic interesting, but because the instructor does not, those students don't get what they deem to be the information they desire. This entails caring for your students. If you truly care about how your students perform and understand your course and their success, you have to care about what you are teaching, or at least fake it really good.
Q'iana,
Being a mentor has its rewards. Just keep in mind that it is easy to get attached, for you and the student.
Philip Campbell
I think the key to motivating students is to instruct with passion. If you have a passion for the subject matter, it shows. More times than not it is contagious.
I believe the ability to understand, relate, and advise students to achieve their best ability in their courses as well as in life makes not only a great instructor, but possibly a mentor.
I have found that the most effective instructor is the one that truly cares about the success of the students. Also one that is understanding but firm at the same time. I have found that many students can have LOTS of excuses about why they didn't get this or that done and while we can be empathetic, we also need to set boundaries, such as taking points off for late work etc. I don't feel we are doing them any favor by giving them no consequences for undone or late work as they would not be able to get away with that in the work place. At the same time finding ways to problem solve with them on why things are not getting done is also very helpful.
Jacqueline: That is so funny, and enthusiastic. When I meet a new class I always ask them "What do you want to do when you grow up". I teach law, so I have students that range from 18-70. Inevitably one student will huff "I am grown up". To which I reply, "we are always learning and growing, that's why you are in school, right?" That breaks the ice and they understand what I am looking for. It makes meeting the students fun.
Karen,
I think it is clear that there is a lot that we, as educators, have to do. Hard skills and soft skills.
Philip Campbell
Richard: While I agree with you to some extent, I think that in order to have student success stories, we, as professors, have to continue to keep abreast of our areas of expertise. Be up to date and give "real life" examples of how the material the student is learning pertains to their every day life. Then we, as professors, become highly effective instructors.
David,
Good points about be entertaining. Edutainement is one of those things that help people to learn while being entertained. That is the method used most often with kids and video games or TV shows. So you are on the right track.
Philip Campbell
Knowing the material but also being dynamic and charismatic in the classroom. I hate to say this but you almost have to be entertaining. I've seen very knowledgable teachers bomb because they were dull and not so knowledgable teachers excell because they were dynamic and charismatic. I also think multiple delivery methods so you can reach the different types of learners is effective.
I agree wholeheartedly that an instructor not only needs to be competent in his or her subject, but he or she needs to care about the students he or she will teach. There are many times an instructor needs to be understanding in regards to assignments and attendance. It all goes back to "do as to others as you would have done to you." Our emotional intelligence is the key.
In my opinion, the most important quality an instructor can possess is a passion for student learning and understanding. This commitment to student success requires that the instructor strive to a higher level as well.
Tom,
Good Points. Reading the class is important and being able to change is the trick.
Philip Campbell
