It is important to understand yourself as an instructor in order to see areas of strengths and weaknesses. One important way is feedback from your students. I try to take a poll during the course of the class to get feedback on how I am doing. Also the end of class surveys are very helpful and I use to this information to continue to improve.
Yvonne,
Of course students can provide feedback, but in many cases their comments and ratings can be skewed by subjective assessment based on lesser grades, feelings of material too hard,or resistance to class or school policies. Yet, there is an element truth tucked away in every comment, so as we reflect on the student perspectives and end of term evaluations, we can try to weed through the untrue subjectivity, and try to sort the nuggets of truth that, if we're honest, can be found, applied and model us to become better at what we do as instructors.
Barry Westling
I ask myself did, did I learn something new from today’s lectures?
As instructors, we have to understand the position that we hold; A position of influence and leadership. The students are looking to us as a guide through the course. They are also watching to see how we conduct ourselves as professionals. We can allow the student to have a positive experience or a negative experience. We are more than just instructors, we are also role models in some student's eyes.
Kenisha,
Right! And at the minimum, we need to display confidence to the students that we have the competence (education, experience, training, and background) to effectively conduct the facilitation of class material.
Barry Westling
By understandng yourself as an instructor you can work on weakness while using your strenght in the classroom. In addition by recognizing your weakness you can find other ways of presenting the materiel for the students as well as working on your flaws to improve yourself as an instructor.
Michael,
I believe the most essential step in working on self improvement is recognition of the need, and the willingness to work to make corrections. Another key step is to be able to retain each of our uniquenesses and authenticity while on the journey to improvement.
Barry Westling
I agree that we need to know our strengths and weaknesses, and sometimes what we think about ourselves can be different than other people perceive us. At our campus we also have surveys that the students fill out, and observations are also done by our management. This feedback is very useful to me so that I can get a better understanding of what I need to do to adjust and adapt to give the students the best experience.
Craig,
Triangulation from multiple sources usually helps identify key areas that may be outstanding or need improvement, especially when the same or similar comments or ratings appear from the different evaluators. One important step is to try to be objective, look for the truth in any negative comments, and be willing to work to make changes.
Barry Westling
Understanding my personality (ENFP in MBTI, and high "i" in DiSC) has helped me in both preparation as well as delivery in the classroom. Being tuned into weaknesses such as dealing with organization and details has helped me focus on improvement in this area. Likewise, knowing my strengths such as engagement and story telling can help me to connect with the students and motivate them to levels beyond what they think they can obtain.
Rick,
Great. Understanding basic traits about oneself is essential for self improvement, progress and instructional effectiveness, and improved student outcomes.
Barry Westling
I educate in a career college. My understanding of my field has been the best asset. I trained students in the career field before I became an educator, so this has helped me a lot. Becoming an educator I had to figure out my strengths and weaknesses, and then focus on my weaknesses as those were what the students needed. I am not a soft skills person, and a student needs that. I know where I need to improve at , and where my strengths are but not knowing nor acknowledging your strengths will hurt the students outcome.
Ali,
We've all been to school, and have probably experienced an instructor who may have been knowledgeable, but their delivery was awful. Students may tolerate it but are not likely to learn as much.
Barry Westling
In understanding your strengths and weaknesses as an instructor, you can use your assets to pack the maximum punch (so to speak) but also be cognizant of what you should not be doing. For example - I know that I am not great at designing lectures "on the fly" so I really need to take the time to plan ahead and be organized with plenty of materials.
If you do not have a grasp of who you are as an instructor it is difficult to cater to the learning needs of your students.
Karen,
Students want to know their instructor is competent and in control.
Barry Westling
Virginia,
This is a good personal reflection. I would add that although it takes courage, trying new things can turn a weaker area to one that is effective.
Barry Westling
Understanding oneself and being honest with yourself is key to success in any area; however, as an instructor who is responsible for contributing to the success of students is huge responsibility. Ask yourself..."how flexible, confident, humble, informed and patient am I". If you don't respond positively to your questions, then you should rethink your professional choice.
From my own educational experience as a student, my best influences were from passionate, realistic instructors who were fully informed about the subject matter they were teaching and passionate about the success of their students. Those instructors who were in it for the paycheck were also influencial, but, in a negative way.
Interestingly, I can remember the names of teachers who I disliked and also dislike (still) the subject matter. I use these models of what not to do. The teachers I enjoyed most were happy, positive and patient.
Rosalyn,
Passion is never out of style, and is usually a welcoming attribute for students, as your experience confirms.
Barry Westling
Mr. Westling,
It is important to understand yourself as an instructional leader because you must know both your strengths and weaknesses in order to effectively reach your students. If you have not determined both your strengths and weaknesses as an instructor, you cannot understand and meet the needs of all of your students. If there are students who may not be comprehending for some reason, it may be your instructional style that is not meshing with the student's learning style. You can try to learn who the student learns best, but if you haven't taken the time to learn how you teach best, or maybe not the best, you may not be able to reach that student.
I know that my weakness is talking in large groups or walking into a room of strangers and speaking. I prefer to remain in the corner and go unnoticed. I know this about myself, however, I also know that in my area of expertise, I am very comfortable walking into a room full of strangers and doing my job without hesitation. That is why I have taken on the role as a clinical instructor. I love to teach and feel comfortable and confident teaching in an area that I am a subject matter expert.
Stacey
