“Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, and I…”
If you think back to all the teachers you had, you’ll probably be able to identify different “styles” or approaches. Probably you could categorize them with one word. Words like “grumpy,” “boring,” “permissive,” and even “mean” probably come to mind. Hopefully, there were some you might describe as “influential” or “inspiring.”
Most teachers don’t even think about how they appear to students. Whatever the word is that might describe them, it wasn’t something that came about with conscious thought. In all likelihood, it just happened. I’m suggesting that teachers need to consciously consider their teaching style and work toward developing a positive and effective style. Developing a teaching style means more than just one word. To develop a well balanced teaching style means you must give plenty of thought to what works well for you and what will be best for the students you work with.
Don’t think that you can’t change your teaching style. It’s easy to dismiss the possibility of change by saying “Ahhh, I’m me and that’s that. Nothing I can do about it.” Of course, it is possible to change your approach to teaching. Here are some steps to consider as you start defining your teaching style.
1. What word or words would students use to describe you now. Are you comfortable with what they would say?
2. Is the demeanor you present to a class helpful to your teaching or might it actually get in the way of good teaching?
3. What styles of teachers you’ve observed or known would you like to emulate?
4. What change in teaching style might make you enjoy your job a bit more?
5. What changes in your teaching style are critical now?
6. If you need help, what are possible sources of help? For example, if you’re having trouble with discipline, who might help you correct that problem?
7. Do you have a confidence problem? Stage fright?
8. Ask students what makes a good teacher. You may find the answers at once shallow (“they’re not mean”) and yet perceptive.
9. You can make any change gradually. The Superman approach (into the phone booth, change into the super hero uniform in seconds) isn’t required. A little bit at a time is fine.
Once you start the process of developing or enhancing a teaching style which will help you make your job more effective and enjoyable, you might consider some of these goals:
1. Be in command, in charge, and supremely confident in the classroom. You are a PROFESSIONAL, after all.
2. Never lose your temper. Be firm, perhaps, but don’t ever lose control. Deal with explosive situations at another time or another place.
3. Talk to students as if they’re human beings, not predatory devils. A little respect for students goes a long way and doesn’t stop you from providing advice and guidance.
4. Have a sense of humor. Be ready to laugh even at yourself at appropriate moments.
5. Be fair. “Fair” is probably the most commonly mentioned trait students use about teachers. It may be the hardest thing to do. Work at it. Ask for help from fellow teachers, administrators, and students.
6. Be a mentor or get a mentor. Find someone on the faculty you can trust to bounce ideas off of.
7. Be organized. Read any book on how to be organized that looks like it might help.
Recent Comments