If you do not have an understanding of yourself as an instructional leader is a prelude to failure.
This must be known and understood by the individual.
The students will sniff this out the first day, then the students will lose intrest in the class and control may be lost.
A leader shows confidence by being prepared and very knowledgable about the subject matter.
Also indicating what the expectations are of the students.
Having an appreciation for personal learning style preference lends itself to comfort in presentation. Knowledge of those manners in which we display ourselves to others, both intentionally and uninentionally, elicits an awareness of commitment to material and to those being presented to
I also take into consideration that type of student that I am presenting to as well as the material - is it job seeking skills or anatomy?
Excellent point!!! Bringing in humor allows for a reduction in the tension of the material, keeps students focused (trying to figure out what the next comment may be :), and maintains the atmosphere.
I also have a number of years of experience in the field of adult vocational education. I have found that there is nothing like the feeling of working with an individual student to succeed in their chosen field, and seeing a group of students gain and understanding of the material.
Great points, and these habits transverse into the world of work as well. Also important to note that the student will experience different levels of professionalism among co-workers (and supervisors) in the world of work.
Allen,
Knowing how I am and how I am perceived (good and bad, right or wrong) helps me be effective in the classroom. I think facing what may be areas I'm aware may need improvement helps me work on them, and the classroom is almost like a lab for improvement of weaker areas. Of course, stronger traits only come naturally. But even so, the life of a teacher is ever evolving, so I guess we're always like a work in progress, even with strengths and comfort zones.
Barry Westling
Paula,
It'd be interesting to see ourselves as students do. I know there tests that attempt to do this in a limited fashion. But to really see how they see us would probaly create the desire to modify some behaviors that we'd think are OK. Being an authentic version of ourselves is still the best approach to relating to students, as they will ultimately see throgh any phony facade we may try to subject them to.
Barry Westling
Paula,
Right. The old "wearing different hats" part of of job description.
Barry Westling
Paula,
The flip side is too much humor. Unless the class subject is comedy antics, care that just the right amount of humor is provided in a given class is warranted. Like a seasoning for a meal: a little goes a long way.
Barry Westling
Paula,
Some might call this the "aha" moment, and you're right, it's an awesome feeling. For me it creates a sense of accomplishment and purpose.
Barry Westling
Paula,
Getting students to be open minded, cultrually sensitive, and at the same time maintaining valid ethical and professional standards can be an integral component to any training program for successfulness in the workforce.
Barry Westling
Understanding yourself is important to all aspects of life. Gaining an understanding lets you shine in areas and then also learn and grow in other areas. Understanding yourself also helps when asking questions and gaining insight from your colleagues.
Thank you for this discussion.
Hi Edward,
Loved your post. I agree, understanding yourself is essentail in ensuring that others will understand you.
Without understanding of self there is no ability to transfer inforamtion to others. Know thy self first and then presume to know what others need.
Kay,
Great. I believe we can only grow when we are willing to try new things, learn frtom mistakes, and acfcept that we will always be in a place where improvement will help us become better teachers.
Barry Westling
It is just like the saying, "You dont know where you are going if you dont know where you have been." Or even better, the ancient greek saying, "First, know thyself." By understanding your strentghs and weaknesses you can strat to draw out a plan. You will most certainly want to incorporate your strengths into the classroom. Also, by knowing and admitting to your weaknesses you can work on improving them.
William,
Strengths create clarity and direction. Weaknesses are future opportunities for creativity and effective instruction.
Barry Westling
Every term that goes by, not only do I understand the material better and improve, but I learn more about myself and improve my instruction to better fit my students needs.
Angela,
Great! And this effect is what gives us the title "experienced educator". Overtime, we grow, and improve. That makes us better and usually this shows in student outcomes.
Barry Westling
