Presenter:
Galen L. Rupp, Pittsburg State University
Description:
This session focuses on ways for current and future professors to improve their teaching skills, styles, and techniques. First, we look at several inappropriate teaching styles to show why many professors may need to alter their styles and techniques. Second, and more important, are suggestions and ideas for professors to improve their teaching effectiveness. The critical factor is the professor’s commitment to become a strong, well-rounded educator. Research has shown that the attributes of an effective teacher include knowledge of the subject, ability to motivate students, fairness in grading, concern for students, and willingness to answer questions. In addition, certain desirable personality traits, such as self-confidence, creativeness, authoritativeness, equanimity, open-mindedness, and leadership qualities support effective teaching. Other abilities such as conflict resolution, persuasiveness, constructive criticism, decisiveness, and teamwork are also helpful. Finally, professors should have training in selected educational topics, such as teaching-learning processes, teaching methods, educational technology, communications, and evaluation methods. While the above list appears overwhelming, the key is to identify those areas that need improvement, and then develop a program to improve the skills. Selected readings, attending workshops, observation, working with a mentor, and taking courses are just a few approaches for improving teaching effectiveness.
