Positivity
Positivity is the key in the lock. If you can lead by a positive example, you and your students will be successful.
Humor and positive encouragement go a long way in keeping students focused and engaged in the classroom and to keepinp them moving toward their goals.
Well negativity, regardless of its form, has a root source. So finding out where this root is from struggling students and addressing it, either with tutoring or clarification on certain topics is helpful. This helps in situations for me because students feel that their concerns are being taken care of. It is also important not to allow other to feed into negativity as it is very contagious in the classroom.
John,
How do you address the inevitable negativity that pops up from struggling students?
Jeffrey Schillinger
I agree. Being positive can change the atmosphere of a room.
Shannon,
Teaching is a performance art in many ways. Sometimes we have to "act energetic" even though we may not be fired up
that day.
Jeffrey Schillinger
It is amazing how the students can pick up on your demeanor. If I've ever had a day where I was less energetic than usual, it has actually had an effect on the flow of the class that day.
Instructors should lead by example. You desire your students to have positive outcomes, great attitudes, and open minds for classroom discussion; therefore you should as well. Leading by example exemplifies a great way to increase overall positivity with your students
Mary,
What are some ways you help students get over their self-criticism?
Jeffrey Schillinger
My students tend to be very critical of themselves. Sometimes they get overwhelmed by all they did wrong rather than all the things that they did right. It is important for me, as their instructor, to get them to focus on the positive things they did and have them develop a plan to correct their weaknessess so they can move forward.
Positive energy is contagious and will encourage the students to feel they can do it.
Positivity is a key factor in the success of your class. If you as the instructor have a negative attitude than it will just infiltrate into the classrooom atmoshpere. I have witnessed first hand the downward spiral of a group of students when their instructor presented a negative attitude in the class. We as instructors are responsible for setting the tone of the class. Positivity can be contagious! I know it works well for me.
Being positive and happy make student feel hapy. Student like coming to class mor if teacher not angry.
Rhonda,
How do you demonstrate "leading by example?"
Jeffrey Schillinger
If your not confident and positive in your endeavors that leaves room for doubt.Lead by example. It is important for the intsructor to stay abreast on new knowledge so that she is positive and confident.
Absolutely true!!! It's amazing yet simple how having the right attitude can lead to success. Its an ingredient that drives results.
Regardless of what happen before I got to work, I change my attitude because I know it can affect others.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on positivity Ryan! I had an issue come up a few weeks ago with a fellow professor. Apparently, they had a death in the family and was scheduled to teach on a Monday. They came in but could not control their emotions. Unfortunately, a student said something and the professor took it negatively. The professor started raising their voice and making snide comments. This illustrates how ones emotions can interfere with effective teaching and learning. It may have been better had that professor taken a few days off and had another teacher sub for them.
