Is it a good idia to let students know you are not perficed
Hi Craig,
Another thing I can do is work to my strengths. When I am really excelling in a class, that can overcome minor shortcomings that might also have to be presented. For instance, my white board printing used to be immaculate, and still is if I stop and do nothing else but write. But if I'm on a roll, and try to write on the board to keep up with myself, I tend to get a bit sloppy. So my shortcoming is overshadowed by the greater oral discussion that is occuring at the same time.
Barry Westling
It is important to understand that as an instructor,I will be leading the class towards an unknown journey,if I have to see my self as a successful leader in my field I need to know my strengths and weaknes,I would like to know my highs and lows,bringing in a postive uplifted attitude in the classroom setting everyday is a task which we teachers need in the classroom,it is utmost important that I understand the responsibilty I have towards my students.
that is so true,I feel that if an outsider is looking into a classroom where a lecture is being delivered,the students are like a reflection of the teacher who is teaching,it is like looking into a mirror,students should be a true reflection of the teacher.
Hi Amina,
Sounds great! When teachers just commit to care and do their best, even shortcomings or weaknesses can be overlooked. We all have a unique personality that is special, and we all have areas we could improve on (ask a good friend, they'll be honest!). So by determining to be exemplary from the get go, day-to-day excellance can be a reality!
Barry Westling
Hi Amina,
Good teachers breed good students. If I'm engaged and motivated, so will my students.
Barry Westling
I need to understand that I am the instructor and see myself as an instructor because I am there to help the students through the material, help them understand the information presented, answer questions, guide them in the direction they need to go, and evaluate their progress. I cannot be a buddy or part of the class because I represent the knowledge base of the material being taught and I cannot let it be considered by anyone that I favor one student over another.
Hi Juan,
Good point about favoritism. To avoid that, I attempt to treat all as if they are my prime focus. If the student see me as buddy, I will be that to them, but not in an inappropriate way, and not more so than any other student. By serving as facilitator, I am one of the participants, particularly when students are presenting, leading discussions, leading the class, etc.
Barry Westling
Very good point, every student should be our prime focus all the time and especially in their hour need. It is necessary to always be there and as you stated be their buddy "but not in an inappropriate way, and not more so than any other student." It is great to be a participant when the students are involved in the taking the lead in the class and doing assignments. It is great to see them learn and grow.
Hi Juan,
Many students are serious about their learning, however, some are not. I just feel I'm paid to faciliate the class the best I can while understanding there may be some that are less than successful. Yet, I am comfortable knowing I have tried my best.
Barry Westling
I am going to make this short and sweet. I worked for a psychiatrist for a number of years and one thing I learned was you must know yourself!
In order for you to know how you will act or react to something is to know yourself. We are faced with a myriad of circumstances and situations that call for tact, diplomacy, compassion, wisdom and above all professionalism. If you don't understand yourself as an instructor and the role you play in all aspects of being an instructor then you are doing your students a disservice.
Hi Rochelle,
There is a quotation that states "10% of life is what happens, 90% is my reaction to it". We all have control over our feelings and actions. As educators we can apply this "principle" to focusing on student learning.
Barry Westling
Understanding yourself as an instructor is as equally important as having an understanding of who you are as an individual. How you see the world impacts the world around you, how you see others, how others see you and how you see yourself.
I occasionally ask my students, on the first day of class, to introduce themselves. After the students have made their introductions, I have a student that has previously set in one of my other classes, to introduce me. The attempt is to get that student’s perceptions of me as an instructor and a regular person. If I’m perceived to be an honest and fair instructor, than half of the work is done. I can then get in the “drivers seat†and effortlessly lead (facilitate) the class toward meeting its objectives.
Hi Larry,
Great way to have yourself introduced!. I believe we all have positive attributes and qualifications that enable us to be effective instructors. If we are honest, sincere, approachable, and demonstrate a caring attitude, all varieties of personalities and uniquesnesses can be present and students will be receptive to the teacher. There is no one right way.
Barry Westling
This is a very important concept because if you do not know or understand yourself both as a person and an instructor you will not succeed in what you plan to do. Sometimes the person you think you are is not always the person that you are. One of the self assessments I took while in the army was the Meyers-Briggs assessment. I took that test four times during my career and each time I was assessed to be an ISTJ. I cannot remember what the last three letters stand for but the first letter, I, stands for Introvert. If you ever saw me you would never believe that assessment. I am outgoing and willing to share my experiences. Sometimes I talk too much. One other thing we were taught in the army courses was to continuially re-evaluate what you are doing. That too is very important for an instructor. To find out if you are effective and projecting what needs to be you must re-evaluate and improve or update your methods.
Hi Timothy,
The best personal attribute a teacher can have is being honest with their perceived strengths and areas that may need improvement. Getting objective feedback through assessment instruments such as BM or similar personality indicators is one way. Peer evaluation is another. I think a trusted colleague a teacher asks to sit in their class and really critique will likely give realistic feedback. It is here that our perception and that of another experienced teacher requires an ability to accept information and try to make improvements on it. Of course, student evaluations can also provide insight, especially when some trait or technique appears repeatedly by multiple persons over several classes. We have to be responsive to all inputs that reflect something about us we are not able to see ourselves. As Stephen Covey says in his 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, "Seek first to understand, then be understood".
Barry Westling
Nobody knows yourself better than you. You know all your strong and weak points. Knowing this will only help you improve on yourself as both a person and as a leader.
Hi Rochelle,
Good teachers will be open on-going critique, advice, and on-going correction. When open to new ideas or suggestions from others, we not only humble our ego's but usually find there really are lots of alternative methods yet to learn. Ultimately, students are the recipients of this attitude.
Barry Westling
One must understand themselves as an instructor so that they can properly self assess and make adjustments to improve their instructon. Being aware of your foundation or starting point gives you the opportunity to recognize your growth. Knowing what type of instructor you are will also allow you to use teaching tools that fit your style and personality. If you are comfortable with your material and delivery systems student's will be more focussed, motivated and resposive.
Hi Sherry,
Great response and self reflection. For me, teachers who are willing to be honest with themselves and open to change seem to have more satisfaction, both personal and that from their students.
Barry Westling
