Our students will model the behaviors and the presence we project when they exit the learning environment. We must project a professional presence, so that when they enter the working world, they too shall be succesfull.
As educators we wear many hats, but I think we often forget that each of our students also wears their own hat in the classroom. If we hope to be good, effective teachers, then we must make sure to let the students determine their success as well. Each learner has unique strengths, and we as their instructors must change our own hats with each individual student to help them harness and grow in their own learning; this will create strong learners who will be able to take the reins on their education and will respect us as mentors. We may not always be the smartest person in the room, and we should hope we aren't, but we are the EXPERT in the room when it comes to teaching the material and supplying the knowledge necessary to succeed.
While many of the areas in this module apply to my previous experience as a model, manager and motivator in the professional kitchen environment, there are new areas of growth available for me in the culinary education environment.
The module reinforced the idea of 'Lead by example'. You want your students on time, you be early. You want your students to look the part, you look the part. You want no vulgar or offensive in the class room, You don't use it either, regardless of the situation. These are the principals I intend to enforce on my students & mostly upon myself.
The importance of developing my own style of teaching that is professional and creative. I've learned ways to create a relationship with students based on mutual respect and support. Utilization of past experiences and knowledge to create a style of teaching that produces maximum learning potential. Be a confident leader and manager by being prepared for class by knowing the subject and classroom and also admitting my mistakes and learning from them.
The information in this module are all good reminders for an instructor to constantly be improving their teaching skills. I always try to leave a class thinking, what worked well and what did not work well. If I identify some bad element then I try to analyze the cause and make note of changes that need to be made the next time I teach that material or have that response from a student. A teacher is ever learning.
In this module I learned about the roles of the instructor; that you are a model and present the standard for your profession, that we are managers and we provide a safe and supportive environment that presents in an organized and clear manner. Finally, you are a motivator.
Positive attitude and how I present myself to students and in work with small groups, in demonstration settings, and during lectures. My styles can change depending on the setting and the needs of the students.
The topics I was most interested in were about how I present myself to the class.
This module helped me understand the basic and fundamentals are extremely important. For example, display professionalism by having all material ready before class begins, being on time is important which demonstrates all students they have support.
I intend to be well prepared, stay motivated, foster a positive environment, follow all guidelines, and actively promote a meaningful and engaging learning experience.
In this module I learned that there are multiple strategies and overall various ways of teaching especially for new instructors. I learned students need to hear and see the passion the instructor has for the subject matter along with students knowing that the instructor is there to support them, and provide them with feedback that will aid in their growth.
I learned that as instructors we are models, managers and motivators. To be a good model would include dressing appropriately and being punctual. To be a good manager would be to review modules before instructing to get a good understanding of that lesson. To be a good motivator would include, being positive with students and helping them with any questions they have, being helpful during labs and hands on instruction.
I was reminded of the importance of modeling professionalism and respect. To be confident of the knowledge of the subject matter you are teaching. Ways to prepare and develop the skill and ability to teach that knowledge effectively to the students in a manner that would peak their interest and generate enthusiasm for the subject matter.
I was reminded how important it is to apply your skills as an instructor everyday by being a good human being. It all goes hand in hand with each other, start with respect for yourself and your students, you can dress sharp and have a cool walk or even be a smooth talker, but to me it all starts and stops with respect for each other. This part of the course reminds me to be who I am at all times a PRO.
Being knowledgeable about content is only one aspect of teaching.
Setting expectations for the students and following through with them is also important.
Being fair and consistent sets a foundation for future classes. Students will know I give excellence and fidelity in the content I will be teaching.
I learned how students have different ways of learning—visual, auditory, kinesthetic—and how to adapt teaching strategies to meet those diverse needs. I explored techniques like think-pair-share, group work, cooperative learning, and questioning methods that increase student engagement. I explored how digital tools can enhance learning, such as interactive whiteboards, educational apps, and online collaboration platforms. I gained insights into fostering strong teacher-student relationships and being aware of cultural backgrounds and how they influence learning.
I learned that instructors must model professional behavior for their students, including dressing appropriately and being on time. It is also important to take the time to fully prepare before classes.
I have learned that I should always be professional at all times in the way I present myself, dress and use vocabulary. I also have to remember to try my best not to become too friendly with the students. I am a naturally friendly person and a people pleaser but I do not want to cross that line of instructor-student.
I am learning multiple things from this course. I am a new instructor to theory and somewhat new in the clinical setting as well, and there is so much to being an effective instructor. I knew taking on this role that I would look to my past experiences to help guide me in what to and not to do in the classroom. I really appreciate the breakdown that this course is providing to help me remember that there are different roles in which I will be playing, and insight on managing those roles as an instructor.
I learned to become a good model, manager and motivator
