Unteaching Styles
The thrust of the videos is that it is less than desirable to be a Controller, a Buddy or an Apathete. One of our classes last quarter was less successful, and there are some clues here to find out why. Could my students perceive me as a Controller, Buddy and Apathete all in the same evening? Of course, I've always strived to be a Guide. One of the twelve students on the roll had a reputation. My failure to respond properly when she arrived late, stumbled in and conducted her own conversation led to the lack of respect and failure of others. Opportunities for all of the other eleven to share their ideas were lost. My goal is to have another quarter when all of our students not only pass some tests but perform the skills they need in their individual careers.
David, teaching is not easy. In fact it can be very difficult at times. My goal as an instructor has always been to strive to not only be good or adequate but to be GREAT! I think all instructors need to have this focus. In our strive to be great we want students to respect us but also know they can come to us with questions. We are not going to be in their Facebook account but we can be someone they come to when they have a serious question that needs attention. It is good to be interesting but even better to be interested. Students respond very well when then feel their instructors are interested in them and their success. Guides tend to do this best and are able to avoid the typical pitfalls of being a buddy, controller, or apathete.
James Jackson
Striving to be great
need to be more approachable so they will share their interests
I like this "It is good to be interesting but even better to be interested" This statement says a lot.
Sometimes we try so hard to keep things interesting in the classroom for our students that we forget to let them know that we are truly interested in giving them the knowledge that they need for future success.
I am very optimistic that one day I will be GREAT! I am passionate, consistent and persistent, but I did not find yet the balance between controller and buddy. I feel that, depending on the students behavior, in some classes I incline to controller type than in other classes where I am more buddy.
Iuliana, I am sure you are GREAT now. The goal now is learning to remain there by constantly learning new techniques and skills that you can utilize in the classroom. Your goal is also to become a GUIDE as it is less than desirable to be a controller or buddy. The guide knows when to show empathy and knows when to take control but you never want to be perceived as being just one or the other. Focus on guiding your students towards knowledge and you will find the path is easier to navigate and will yield greater success.
James Jackson
