Confidence
Subjectively I believe that I have improved tremendously as an insructor since my debut approximately 2 years ago, and my student evaluations objectively bear that opinion out. I am certain that the primary reason for this improvement is the confidence and command the students see in me as an expert in what I am teaching, as well as, appearing comfortable in the role of captain of the classroom environment. I can directly attribute this sense of command to the preparation I put into developing and sticking to the syllabus, class goals, and objectives. The students feel they know the rules by the end of our first session together and trust that they will be treated fairly if they abide by the information that has been disseminated to them. Therefore, I have set the tone for a productive term during their first impression of the class, and that opinion endures throught the term unless I drop the ball and fail to hold up my end of the what I've told them to expect.
Hi Brian,
Well said. Thanks for sharing your professional growth in teaching. Keep up the good work.
Gary
Brian thanks for posting this I'm new, I have the confidence in my feild but in some startups boy that first half hour once I get rolling into the material at hand the students can see I'm not a monster and relax themselves & after the first lunch it starts to flow and so far I've had 2 great reviews
Hi David,
Congratulations on your good reviews. You are quick becoming an Instructional Delivery Expert (IDE). This should be the goal of all educators.
Gary
I like your write up. I too remember when i first started and those where some nervous moments at best. With time came maturity as an instructor and as a person. I would like to add that as my confidence in what I do improved, so did my patience. I now feel that the material I cover is better explained and that when questions come up from students late have less experience or subject knowledge, I can relax and take more time with that student.
I feel the same way as far as expectancies and holding up my end. I found out right away that concistancy is the key, and my confidence in the expectations is also important as the students will quickly find your weak point. This is of course much easier to establish with all new students but takes time to rub off on the older students that an instructor might be new with.
Confidence does go a long way..with teaching and with anything else we choose to do in our lives...It projects so profoundly and people do treat you differently when they see and hear the confidence in you. I wouldnt want to learn from someone who wasnt passionate or confident in what they're teaching..what a bore that would be..and uninspirational.
Hi Rosalyn,
Well said. A part of the job of the teacher I believe it to be inspirational about the field and the skills the students are learning. It sure helps keep them engaged in the learning process.
Gary
