Attributes
of Good Instructors
I'm
not a teacher, but an awakener. -- Robert Frost
Thinking
back on the instructors I admire, I compiled a list of attributes
that I believe set them apart from others—attributes
I try to emulate.
-
Good instructors…have a good grasp of the subject
material. They know the “ins” and “outs”
of the equipment, system, or topic. They are able to teach
the little secrets not found in the textbooks or technical
documentation.
-
Good instructors…present the total picture of the
course and continually let you know where you are on the
course roadmap.
- Good
instructors…are enthusiastic about the need for the
material being presented and they never lose that enthusiasm
in subsequent classes.
-
Good instructors…are good storytellers—both
on and off the subject. They are able to relate stories
to personal experiences and paint mental images.
-
Good instructors…are conscientious “plate spinners.”
That is, they are good at keeping their classes alive
with ice breakers, stories, analogies and metaphors.
- Good
instructors…are perceptive about what does and does
not work in the classroom or multimedia learning session.
As “instructional chameleons,” they are able
to change to meet the needs of the audience.
-
Good instructors…are altruistic. They genuinely care
about their students and value their time. If necessary,
they will spend extra time after class to ensure comprehension.
(Students don’t care how much you know until they
know how much you care.)
Future Aspirations
I
discovered that people are not really afraid of dying;
they’re afraid of not ever having lived, not ever
having deeply considered their life’s higher purpose,
and not ever having stepped into that purpose and at least
tried to make a difference in this world. -- Joseph Jaworski
Among my favorite movies are The Dead Poet’s Society,
Patch Adams, and Mr. Holland’s Opus.
All three movies involve characters who impact people’s
lives in a unique and powerful way. I have a passion for finding
and fulfilling this same purpose in my life.
Following
is something I wrote in my journal eight years ago. These
words capture the sincerity and conviction of what I want
to do with the rest of my life.
Most
pictures and photos are just okay, but others "speak"
to you somehow. They strike a chord that can lead to a variety
of feelings, such as: joy, sorrow, helplessness, fear, empathy,
desire, etc. The photographer uses spontaneity, shadows, filters,
and shades of light to create these various sentiments. Similarly,
an artist can elicit feelings with his/her imagination and
talent. Both professionals provide a gift to humanity through
their works. And, the same can be said for many professions;
e.g., actors/actresses, musicians, poets, playwrights, singers,
etc. It is my desire to bring this same kind of inner pleasure
or satisfaction to people as a part of learning. All my life,
I have been preparing to fulfill a unique niche, and whatever
that niche is, I feel confident that it will somehow involve
my spontaneity, sense of humor, and sensitivity to make a
difference in the lives of others.
This
is my time.
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