Components of Effective Instruction

What makes a good instructor?

• Enthusiasm
• Preparation and organization
• Ability to stimulate student thought and interest
• Clarity
• Knowledge and love of the content

(Source:  Improving Your Classroom Teaching)

Characteristics of Good Teachers:

Some characteristics that students look for in good teachers are:

• Being knowledgeable, organized, and in control.
• Possessing good communication skills and utilizing techniques to enhance classroom communication.
• Having a good attitude and empathy, and exhibiting honesty.
• Being fair in treatment of individuals in class as well as in evaluation.
• Being professional and business-like in appearance and conduct
• Utilizing questions and other techniques to stimulate discussion and involve students.
• Having a pleasant personality.
• Utilizing a variety of teaching techniques and strategies.
• Taking time for individual students and their concerns.
• Striving to build student self-esteem and success.

(Source:  A Handbook: For Adjunct/Part-time Faculty and Teachers of Adults)

Improving Classroom Communication:

Listed below are several ideas to improve classroom speaking:

• Speak loudly, clearly, and at a rate comfortable to you.
• Avoid attaching yourself to the lectern.  The lectern should be used to hold notes, not as a crutch.  Do not sit at the desk.
• Keep your eyes on the students.  Look for non-verbal as well as verbal feedback.
• Never read lectures.
• Speak from an outline, rather than a script.
• Use supplements (charts, graphs, PowerPoint) for explanations whenever possible.
• Encourage a friendly, open atmosphere.  Try to monitor understanding.  Rather than saying, “everybody got that?” - ask a student to rephrase the idea or concept.
• Move around the classroom.  Moving close to the students indicates openness and friendliness.
• Present yourself energetically and with confidence.  Audiences will invest about as much confidence in the speaker as the speaker demands.
• Allow disagreement without being defensive.
• Enter the classroom with optimism and good will.

(Source:  A Handbook: For Adjunct/Part-time Faculty and Teachers of Adults)

Daily Lesson Plan:

One of the most important activities an instructor performs is that of preparing for class.  Before you enter the classroom, you should have thought about what you are going to do and why you are doing it.  It is essential to teach to the course outline as approved through the Board of Trustees.  As you create your lesson plan, consider including the following:

• A list of definitions that should be clarified for the students.
• The objectives of the class.
• The activities in which each student will participate.
• A definite plan for the activities of the instructor.
• The assignment for the next session.

First Day of Class: 

Beginnings are important!  Whether it is an introductory course or an advanced course in the major field, start the term off well.  Students will decide very early – some say the first day of class – whether they will like your course, its contents, you as the teacher, and the fellow students.

During the first day of class…

• Hit the ground running with substantial content;
• Be prepared and well organized;
• Take attendance and conduct the appropriate record keeping by adding or dropping students as appropriate;
• Start getting to know your students by name;
• Introduce yourself;
• Hand out an informative, attractive, and user-friendly syllabus;
• Review the syllabus in detail;
• Provide learning opportunities that spark intellectual curiosity and challenge students;
• Engage students in classroom activities that encourage active learning; and
• Build a sense of community in the classroom.