Students expect thier instructors to be qualified.
I like to let my students know what kind of field expierence i have during introduction on the first day.
I do this also. I let them know both the life experience and credentials I have that allow them to trust what I'm about to introduce them to.
Chad--
Very true! Students can sense it when you are ill-prepared. It is so important to make sure we walk in the classroom knowing what we will cover and to be 100% sincere.
Susan
Qualifications, personal expierience ,as well as what why you chose this career can help students relate to you.Students have the uncanny ability to see through inabilty or inexpierience. You must ensure that they trust in your instruction and opinions as an educator
Students definitely expect their instructors to be qualified. Apart from the academic background I do believe that the range of field experience is especially important. It shows that the instuctor has the ability to teach students that have varied backgrounds and skills.
Students should expect their instructors to be qualified. I think not only the students should expect their students to be qualified but others within the organization should as well. We all have the responsibility to properly and correctly educate the students.
Roosevelt--
Very true! You have to establish yourself as qualified and, as you point out, prove that again every day by being prepared.
Susan
Students will ask what your field expierence is if you don't inform them. Just telling them that you are great doesn't work, you have to prove yourself everyday. The students are always asking questions about the Instructors knowledge on the subject.
If we do this it puts away the old adage that "Those who can, do, those who can't, teach"
I am always prepared for class I introduce myself to the class and tell them all about my education, professional experience,
I would agree students need to know that you have the experience need to teach them the subject. Today more than any other the student wants more than a teacher’s education they need to know that you as their teacher have real life experience as well. They also need to know that you are human. On the first day of class I start out with a story about who I am which includes my real life experience as well as some of my human side.
Michael--
Street Cred...I think this speaks to students' perception that sometimes those who teach have 'book learning' and no real world experience. Giving them your background helps build credibility and excitment for the subject.
Susan
Jamie--
You are correct. Most students make the assumption that we are qualified in our subject area. Giving them additional background affirms this and gives them a feel for us as real 'people', which is also helpful.
Susan
This is a common practice I also do. A brief background of my expirence and knowledge along with time spent in the industry.
Today, with many students, "street cred" is a big factor in whether or not you will be able to communicate the subjects they enrolled for. "Street cred" is mostly based on your expericence and background. Also what you bring to the learning environment that they can absorb and how successful you were in your particular field.
I find that students tend to assume that I am qualified to teach the course. Going over what qualifications I have to teach the given course simply reaffirms this in their minds and hopefully gives them a positive outlook on what the experience of the course will be like.
Bill--
I really like your idea of having them share their goals and plans. It keeps in front of them the reason for their enrollment. The 'end goal' is important to remember!
Susan
On the first day of class I introduce myself first to the class and tell about my education, professional experience, my certifications and former employment and connections in this field. I also let them know how long I have been employed at the institution they are currently attending. I have the students share goals and their future plans with me and the rest of the class.
I too state my experience in the industry and the training/qualifications that I have. I also relate the fact that I too was a student in a very similar position to theirs. I go on to further point out the value of this class, it's neccesity, and how the completion of this class is going to add to their repertoire. Another stepping stone in the path to proficiency.
Dr. Jeffries--
So true! We all want to know they are learning from an individual who 'knows their stuff', and that comes through in the classroom in a variety of ways.
Susan
