bringing in a clear image
From past experiences it is easy to be the "bully" teacher stating you must learn this and I know more than you. This expereince however has also sparked the movement that I now share, we all have a clear image of what we want out of a course including the instructors, the students hold preconcieved notions as to the desired outcomes and falling short of recieving these outcomes become disconnected with the class and the subject. As an instructor one can make the impact real for each and every student by finding relavency to each student. Admit when you are unsure, incorrect or have misspoken; this makes you a real person, students learn at an elevated rate when they can relate to the insructor. I tend to favor the interactive debates methods of group involvement encouraging everyone to chime in on a subject matter often by providing a controversal element to the discussion, this method invites even the quitest of wall flowers to rally behind one side or the other.
DJ,
well said. And I find if I ask the students at the beginning of a course what they hope to get out of it, we are often in alignment.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I will develop a trust with the students, relating to their reality, This can take time to get to know them and respect them as a person, there are limits and it must be sustained on a professional level.
I tell my students that my brain moves faster than my hands, so if they see that I'm forgetting to add something to my recipe they should feel free to remind me and my feelings won't get hurt.
It seem s to work well. One of my students has taken on the role of keeping track of what I do...
Ticha,
I like this idea because it also reminds the students that you are human & that all of us can do this kind of thing. It shows self-awareness on your part & that you're willing to ask for help. In turn, hopefully they learn that they do not have to pretend to be perfect.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
That is such a great idea DJ. The other advantage to asking the students what they like to get out of the course is they feel a bit in control of how the course is going.
carla,
they do feel in control & they can see that you care about their learning & are treating them like adults & professionals.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I like this. Yes you have to be honest with your students because they can see right though you. Letting them know that you are human is a good thing and teaches them to not be afraid when they are wrong and to own up to it. Being the best you can be and to inspire is a wonderful thing. Kids do not expect you to know everything but they do want to ne entertained.
P O'Dwyer
Telling the students their expectations at the beginning of the course it seems to help them have a clear understanding
CAROL,
yes, on the first day of any course I like to lay out expectations: for me, for the class, for each other, etc.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
