Basically my parents were my mentors I guess.
Two of my soccer players parents who were educators recommended I give teaching a go so here I am.
Probably the most important thing that I learned early on is a great motivator. Get as much individual participation as possible by using groups or teams in a competetive event. Be sure the groups or teams are closely matched so the end result won't be a total shutout. Encourage individuals to participate with a fun attitude. This type of activity always seems to get everyone involved and can make them all feel like a contributing member of the class. I have seen big attitude changes in negative students when I have used these ideas.
Thanks, Robert!
What are one or two of the best practices that you have gleaned from your peers?
John,
Thank you for this post. What do you do intentionally to bring the things you learned from your mentor to your students?
I also observe others and listen to their discussions about instructing. From all that I hear, I glean what feels right to me. Then I will implement these practices and watch closely to determine whether they are something I want to continue or discard.
Early in my career as a technician I spent a lot of time with a friend that was 10 years older than me. From him I learned to take pride in my workmanship. I learned that what I do is a signature or reflection of who I am.
When I made the transition from technician to educator I took a look around at all the other instructors and observed. It was easy to select several mentors simply by asking myself, does what they are doing seem right? Is it fare? Does it make sense? So far my gut feelings have not led me off the correct path.
Jeffrey,
You were fortunate to have two good mentors. How did they show that they cared?
I have had two,Steve in the ethanol industry and Bill in the electrical industry. Both showed me the right way and caring enough about not only how and why we do things the way we do but the impact of the two as well.
Thanks, Steven.
What are some of those skills that your mentor taught you that you still use today?
My greatest mentor was a gentlemen that showed me that you can become anything you want if the desire is there. He became a successful businessman after dropping out of high school in the 10th grade to help bring in income to his struggling family. His street wise attitude and excellent sense of problem solving really taught me skills that I still use today...10 years later.
Thanks, Robert.
I was also fortunate enough to have a few good teachers who spent time with us out of class. They always seemed to be good story tellers.
Connecting with students is as important as anything else we do. We cannot effectively educate students who do not feel a positive connection with us because they will not be willing participants in the learning activities we plan and facilitate.
I once had an instructor who would spend time with individual students on breaks, etc.. He would talk about personal experiences, funny stories and show how they applied to the current subject matter. I always enjoyed listening to those and I feel it helped me understand a lot of things better. I try to emulate his methods to connect with students, especially the ones who may be having some difficulty understanding or maybe just staying interested.
Sandy,
Thanks for this post. What specifically did you see in her when you became her peer that made her even a better mentor?
This is a unique question for me. Originally I went to school to be a math teacher -- because I thought my high school math teacher was my "leader". I valued her opinion and thought she was an awesome teacher. Well, that all happened and I ended up back at that same school and ended up working with her. That is when I saw the side of her I had never seen. She was a fine coworker. But, what I was in high school was a good student. But, I never saw the side of her when she worked with a not-so-good-easy-learning student. At that point -- I decide not only did I want to be who she was to me, but I wanted to be who she should have been to the other students. I still feel I have learned a lot from this person.
Connie,
Thanks for making the distinction between listening and hearing. It is an important one.
Connie,
You were indeed fortunate to have great parents and also a great mentor in college. We cannot do much about students' parental relationships, but we can make ourselves available to be good mentors to our students. Thanks for what you are doing for your students.
I think we can show patience and empathy by listening to students, and taking the time to "hear" what they are saying.
My mentors have always been teachers. In fact, both my parents were teachers, so perhaps it was no surprise that I followed in this field. One mentor I can think of is a political science professor I had in college and graduate school. I took every course he taught, and frequently would go by his office just to talk. I was the editor of the student newspaper my senior year, and found myself going just to debate issues with him.
The effect he had on my life was making a difference with me as an individual. In other words, we had a relationship beyond the classroom. He also made me feel that I could succeed at whatever I attempted. As an educator I try to embrace this sense of self-worth to other students, and encourage them in their professional and personal endeavors.
Carol,
There are many philosophies out there, and none of them are perfect. I tried to be as flexible as I could while still holding students to high standards. If they did not contact me or did not have documentation of an entenuating circumstance, points were taken off. The key is to not have such a strict policy that students will real "issues" cannot ever get a break.
I am not sure I am comfortable with this approach, "I set up my policies so that students who turned in late work were "subject to" penalization. If they contacted me and asked for extra time, usually they received full credit". Even if my penalty is minor, I typically take off something. I may meet them have way, but I must be consistent with my word. I do the same with my children or they will always have excuses and not take the consequences. Just my thoughts. I wonder if there are other philosophies out there. I would love to hear from others.
