Stacey,
You've provided a good self evaluation. Actually, I believe many instructors are mostly introverts except when they are teaching. But the good thing is if we are sincere, generally kind, prepared for class (or clinical), and confident about our material, we'll be successful in our instructional role.
Barry Westling
When you teach, it also reminds you that the “change†we try to implement is not as easy as it sounds. It is possible, but it takes time and the perspective that you gain by staying current in your own teaching practices is important.
James,
True, and commitment to this important challenge cannot be underestimated if we want to be successful, long-term educators.
Barry Westling
If you do not have an understanding of yourself and keep that in the forefront of your mind as you teach, I think you become transparent to your students. Meaning that if you are unorganized and are late to class consistently, the students will see that and could copy that behavior in not only their class, but in there career as a student and a professional. I have taught for about eight years now and when I see an instructor that has these qualities, often times their classroom is a zoo.
Knowing yourself and evaluating yourself realistically is essential to becoming a great leader. We all have things that we can improve upon and working to be a better individual and improving on those qualities that may be having a negative effect on students will set the standard for our students and ourselves, as well as set the example to new instructors. When I first became an instructor, I was simply thrown into the classroom and was not shown the "how to", I had to learn as I went and of course had a couple of bad habits and it was very hard to change the flow of the classroom....but overtime, I realized what did not work and took a good hard look at myself and what I was doing wrong, thankfully I came out as a better teacher, but I have seen many times where people are thrown into these roles without the training. From my rough start I can help ease the woes of the new teacher and am very proud that I have been able to become a leader. Although I still reflect daily on what went right, what didn't go as planned, and was I effective.
Passion is so important! If you lack desire for the content you teach, it will show. There are certain areas of what I teach that can be dry....so coming up with interesting activities saves the day! The more excited and interested you make it, the more participation you will receive from your students.
Try to put yourself in the students' shoes and then ask yourself: is this what I would be getting if I were to come here to learn? This very thought underscores the need for a self-assessment in trying to find the instructional leadership qualities in oneself. So I would then ask myself: do I have the qualities to be the instructional leader and if not, then what do I need to do to improve that.
Shana,
Students want to be in positive environments, and an instructor who consistently portrays passion with their instruction is going to command the attention of their students most of the time.
Barry Westling
Syed,
Great example and suggestion. It's a version "practice what you preach". Looking at a course through the eyes of a student can be helpful in planning realistic lessons for students.
Barry Westling
Shana,
As parents, we take control over the kids, act responsibly, and watch out for their safety. Very few get formal training in parenting. And although mistakes are made along the way, most learn from their errors, and a sincere effort to be the best they can usually exists. Instructors often follow a similar pattern, but I think newer instructors tend to shy away from the take control part of their job, restrained by the (false) limitation that giving directions and correction to adults will be harmful in some way. The fact is students want and need direction and clear expectations. They may not like correction, but usually they will respect the instructor who is fair and kind when assuming control over their class.
Barry Westling
I found that in the begining classes that I instructed, I second guessed myself. Regardless of how fluent in the field I was. Text book teaching is different than on the job training. Each semester I learn new ideas and techniques which has made be grow more confidence and each term will be easier as they go on.
Rachael,
Good self observation. We are all hired because of our knowledge gained from life experiences, training, education, and sharing what we know. Keeping classes interesting and involving students with activities that are enjoyable contribute to better instructional session.
Barry Westling
Often the classroom consists of an instructor who is exactly where he/she wants to be . . . in front of a group of students who would rather be anywhere else. It's useful for the instructor to consider where the students would prefer to be. The competition includes movies, TV, youtube and other entertainment venues. I've made it a point to use as much showmanship as possible to stimulate interest in the subject matter. "First of all, you have to get their attention."
William,
Keeping classes interesting and engaging is truly a task, however, it's one that can be accomplished. I've found one method is to use the "what's in it for me?" principle, to get the student to see there is benefit and value in focusing on classes. This also helps get them to see their instructor is there to assist and facilitate their goals.
Barry Westling
Knowing yourself and how you present yourself or react in certain situations can help you avoid personality clashes and confrontations and keep the learning environment a positive place for everyone. Also, it's well understood that people are more willing to listen to and respect the statements of people they like more than people that they don't, so it doesn't hurt to accentuate the strongest parts of your personality, whether that be charming, nurturing, etc. While at times, it might seem like a popularity contest, ultimately, whether you are introverted or extroverted, demonstrating that you respect your students and have the best intentions in mind for them, goes a long way. Being secure in yourself also gives you the strength to be a bigger person when dealing with the occasional bad apple.
Michelle,
Good observation. I think that if we are sincere, and are willing to be helpful to students, whatever our natural personality is will convey a genuine connection with students.
Barry Westling
I know that I have to be willing to change my teaching style depending on my students. In a career college setting, I always have to get to know my students. Classes change and so do the ages, and personalities of students. I think it helps me to know my students and make necessary changes to my teaching style. It also helps keep class interesting for me.
Tracy,
Part of being approachable is yielding to the commonality of each class cohort.
Barry Westling
That is a good point,in order to move forward is to sometimes have to look back and say what or how does the student expect from the delivery and material.
Dave,
I believe instructors who are willing to take in personal or institutional evaluation (supervisory, peer, student), they are already on track to make improvements. It's the ones that feel they know it all, or are resistant to change that create a barrier to better student learning outcomes.
Barry Westling
Everything you do in life consist of understanding, It's one of the key components. I believe understanding yourself gives you the ability to be more effective as a leader in the class, also alows you to understand students from experience.
