Hi William:
To add to your comment, something we can also do is work on improving BOTh our weaknesses and strengths to become more effective teaching coaches.
Regards, Barry
Hi Robert:
Exactly! By giving time to the question "how effective am I being here"? - give us the chance to gain insight on what would best serve the students needs.
Regards, Barry
I need to know my limitations , where I need improvement , and the proper method to make the improvements. I cannot be a better educator if I cannot overcome my limitations. I try and sit in on other teacher's courses as much as possible to help me in that quest. I also employ four different methods at any time to change the pace and take me out of my comfort zone. Only then can I COMMAND a class , and feel that I am actually leading them.
The process never ends.
Hi Thomas:
Great! It seems to me you have a good grasp of yourself and your way of contributing effectively in the classroom.
Regards, Barry
Hi Leonardo:
Yes, and we all do have stronger and weaker attributes that make up the whole of who we are. Knowing how to use our weaker areas should not be avoided, but rather, embraced and practiced so as to make them stronger.
Regards, Barry
It took some time to find myself as an instructor and I have been fine tuning every course cycle enjoying every minute. My biggest challenge was to except that I can give the students the tools to be successful and have the patience to repeat and review at times with students that are not at the same level as others thus aquiring a balnce approach with a relaxed student focused mannerism.
Hi Dennis:
Getting to that "relaxed point" really can only come to most after a bit of time being angst, tense, and stressed out about how the classes are going. So, kudo's to you. I think we all do better when we relaxed and confident in the subject matter. Students do better as well.
Regards, Barry
If you do not have understanding of yourself than how can you successfully teach your students. The students will look to someone who is confident rather than unsure any day of the week.
Tim
Hi Tim:
Many teachers really do not have secure self image, as it relates to teaching. They may new and feel inadequate. They feel weak in one or more topic areas. I guess the list could very long. As educators, just like our students, when we idenify a weaker area that gives us an opportunity to work on improving it. Competence and confidence go together.
Regards, Barry
Because your instruction method reflects a great deal about you as a person and as a professional. If you know your topic well, are prepared with your personal introduction, class outline, humorour remarks to insert at the right time, and good sense of well being all of this will be projected to the students and enforse you as an SME in your field.
Hi Kay:
Good! I think we all have a personality with positive attributes suitable for teaching.
I think it's also important that we portrary real versions of ourselves, rather than an artificial version of someone else (like a respected teacher or mentor). Being sincere and honest, approachable and caring can do much to convey to a class "this teacher cares about my success".
Regards, Barry
I understand my strengths and weaknesses in order for me to be able to provide the best instruction possible. Teaching comes naturally to me. I have been instructing students for about 12 years and it has become fun to pass on knowledge.
Hi Thomas:
Natural teachers are a precious entity. Approachable and friendly, amazing knowledge and willing to share it, creative and imaginative, classes always fun and interesting. Another trait is an almost unending willingness to spend the needed time when students need or want help. We can all aspire to most of these traits even if we're not natural at it, but willing to work at it.
Regards, Barry
Hi Robert:
I agree that it can be easy to speak off topic. However, like you mentioned, I think as long as it doesn't eat too much into the time scheduled for class, this can be a great way to break up the potential monotony of a lecture.
Regards, Barry
It is important to know how you feel about the topic, the course, and relating to students before you go into the classroom. If you do not have knowledge of the course material, are un prepared for the class, do not believe in the college mission, vision, or do not connect with your audience then you should not teach the course.
I am very enthusiastic about my course topics and have a great amount of knowledge to exchange with students. I believe in the topics, the course, and the mission and vision of the college. I support the students in learning and succeeding. I do everything that I can to help them to learn.
Because I am the role model in the classroom environment for student. I have to understand diversity of my students and accordingly I have to arrange my lesson plan for my students. I need to provide comfortable and knowledgable learning environment.
Hi Cem:
When I feel confident in my abilities, prepared, and excited about the class, I just teach better, and the students feel that also. It's a very natural thing - not artificial. I think any teacher can provide their own version of these attributes and make a class must more meaningful.
Regards, Barry
Hi Judith:
You touched on key point, that of enthusiasm.
Every teacher has the capability of being enthusiastic about the course they're teaching. And if the teacher comes prepared with a lot of varied and interesting activities, it really doesn't matter too much how the teachers personality manefests itself, because the students are going to be taught well, in a comfortable setting, by a knoweledgeable teacher who is enterested in the students success, while presenting the course material in a dymamic and unique fashion. Anything else the teacher brings is like icing on the cake.
Regards, Barry
you need to understand what your teaching style is and what your personality is so that you can better relate to the subject and to your students, you want to be able to have a positive impact, positive role model and mentor as well. The more knowledge you have of the subject, the more passion you have the better teacher you become
Hi Joyce:
Great! I think passion can be a good factor in making a class successful, and it's something any theacher can exude in thier own way. Also, being sincere, honest, upbeat, approachable and supportivre are other traits that anyone can portray in their own way - and no real special talent is required. Students will appreciate the climate created in this environment.
Regards, Barry
