Pauletta,
I know students appreciate instructors who are original, genuine versions of themselves, rather than an artificial version of someone else. And even as students may see imperfections, that's better than a facade that masks our true selves.
Barry Westling
I think understanding your personality type can be very beneficial. For example I tend to be introverted so I have to break outside of my normal tendencies in order to teach, but this benefits me, not only from a teaching prospective, but also in a professional career perspective as well.
Timothy,
Students nearly always appreciate sincerity. Each one of us has our unique personalities that manifests in it's own way. Being approachable, patient, tolerant, and kind, students will respond favorably.
Barry Westling
It can be easier to get where you are going if you know where you are coming from. If you have an undertanding of yourself as an instructional leader than you have a baseline to work from in continuing to become a better instructor for each class.
Stephen,
Yeah, we all have a self perception of ourselves, and good instructors have a good understanding of where their strengths lie. I maintain that we never really reach an end point, and even seasoned instructors can be in a constant learning mode.
Barry Westling
Knowing my faults, makes me aware of them. I know that at times I seem a bit stern. Being aware of that I watch for negative responses from my students. If they seem to be stand offish, I think of my personality and try to communicate with a less firm tone the next time I communicate and see if there is a change in their reaction. Knowing my faults make me aware and makes me work for improvement on them.
Kathy,
You've touched on an important area. One great attribute an instructor can possess and project is that of being approachable. When students feel they can ask questions freely (and repeat the same question again if they don't understand), or ask for help, or seek and receive advice, or freely communicate, the open channel to reaching students has been improved. No one is ever at 100% of approachability, but it's worthwhile to commit to improvement, if we see value in doing so.
Barry Westling
From the first day of class, students are always trying to figure out your weak points and /or your strong points as an instructor and as a person. When you are not comfortable in your own skin and are trying to portray someone that you are not, students will pick up on this right away. They will see your lack of confidence in yourself and they will lose all confidence in you as their instructor. Some students may even prey on your week points to try to throw you off of your game. Always stay true and be yourself. This will build trust with the students and make the class so much more enjoyable. Just always continue to improve on your teaching skills and never stop learning.
Don,
Good points. It's unfortunate that some students feel the need to prey on observed or perceived weaker areas. I suppose they feel that'll give them some sort of edge. But I remind new instructors I train that "you are the professional, the one with the superior knowledge, experience and insight into the work setting". Along with that is the sentiment that they are there for their students, it's not about them (other than to be in control of their class).
Barry Westling
if you don't understand yourself, you'll probably have a hard time understanding students....what will it take to get through to students?, the ability to combine experience in the field with presenting technical information that students can relate to is made easier, in my opinion, to understanding yourself
if an instructor doesn't understand himself, it's doubtful students will understand him either..the ability to combine practical field experience with presenting the technical side, in my opinion, depends on the instructor understanding what students expect
Michael,
I think maturity is a great attribute to continuously seek. It's not about age but appropriate relating to students, such as with fairness, patience, and humility.
Barry Westling
You need to learn what your weak points are so that you can improve on them and then continue to look for new ones.
During the years that i have been teaching it has given me more insight on how my students take me. I have learned that you can not treat all students the same or asume they are the same. It has allowed me to set back and refocus my weaknesses and re-evaluate how i approach my students in a college setting.
Charles,
It's true, ongoing self improvement is really a continuous personal commitment. Sometimes this occurs through trial and error. The lesson is to learn from mistakes.
Barry Westling
Tiffany,
I think better instructors realize the need to continuously reflect on their role in terms of commitment, attitude, professionalism, patience, and competence. Humility about the need to make needed adjustments is the companion to personal reflection, because recognition of need without the willingness to make the changes is of little value.
Barry Westling
I'm still kind of new to being a instructor, so I am always trying to figure out new ways to build on the strong points and work on the weak points. It's a on going process.
Leonard,
Traits like honesty, patience, humility and integrity are appropriate in all settings. Students will be forgiving in technical goofs when they feel their instructor is sincere.
Barry Westling
I believe understanding yourself as an instructional leader is important to provide the students with everything they require for retaining the information. If you can recognize your strong and weak points you can focus on your weak areas or employ outside help/materials to supplement your stronger areas.
Brendon,
I think we all probably have a pretty good awareness where we need improvement. Just like we know what we really excel at. Both these understandings provide a basis for ongoing, continuous improvement, especially if we're serious about instructional delivery as a career.
Barry Westling
