"Great things are not accomplished by those who
yield to trends and fads and popular opinion."
– Jack Kerouac
If you are an educator, there is just one thing that you can count on. Everyone has an opinion on how you can do your job better than you currently are. Just because everyone attended school themselves, everyone is an expert. Thousands of books are published every year aimed at telling you what you should know, why you should know it, and how very important it is that you change. Much of this from people who may have only taught for a couple years...if at all! Be honest with yourself, people writing those books are TRYING TO MAKE MONEY. If they really wanted to simply grace the education world with their ideas, they would still be teaching and publishing their ideas at production cost alone. There is nothing wrong with making money, just be careful of the claims books make, they often do not live up to the promise! Some of the best things to do in order to increase your effectiveness (which we ALL have room to do) are tucked away as part of your personality, style, and particular traits. Some of these traits will serve you well and some hinder your performance.
Typically, the most popular books are introducing what seems to be a new fad - some untested methodology based on a fleeting trend. It is important when reading about the latest educational fads to take everything with a grain of salt, but... at the same time, try new techniques that seem to fit within your style to see what works. Like esteemed General Colin Powell said "Don't chase the latest leadership fads. The situation dictates which approach best accomplishes the team's mission." Anyone trying to pitch you a "package deal, this is the best way it can be done" approach is full of hooey in my humble opinion.
That's not to say that high quality books aren't hitting the shelves as well. Much of the information churned out by true experts is solid and valid, if a bit whitewashed for mass appeal. Trumping all of this, however, is an abundance of fantastic skill building available to you that is grounded in research – and tested over time. The quickest way to have an impact within your circle is to look at your own communication habits, message, tone and more... Here are a few examples of non-fad skills you can work on starting right now:
Focus on Productivity
You walk through the classroom checking on your students. Some seem extremely busy, some seem overly relaxed. Some seem to be bogged down and stuck under a dark cloud, and some seem perfectly content. Outwardly you are drawing conclusions on who is being productive and who isn't, and most times you're judging the happiest, most contented students to be the most productive. But don't be fooled by appearances. Compliant students don't necessarily equate to productive students. Oftentimes teachers are asked to raise self-esteem in an effort to increase learning – but that may be putting the cart before the horse. Focus should be on increasing learning which has a much better track record of showing itself to be a precursor of increasing self-esteem. Take steps to ensure that your own efforts are focused on student learning, and student self-esteem will soon follow.
Build Rock Solid Trust
Learner trust and buy-in doesn't simply "Come with the job." If you are to gain the buy-in that is a yard stick for measuring your teaching abilities and successes you need to hold the trust that they have for you with care. Abused just once, this trust can be impossible to get back. Research on gaining trust shows that the highest focus should be on:
- Telling the Truth – Nothing crumbles the foundations of trust like lying. Be true to your word.
- Equitable Treatment – Don't play favorites. Keep everyone in the same loop
- Show Emotion – Remind students that you are human too (if the shoe fits), express feelings when appropriate
- Be Predictable – Whether they like it or not they'll trust you when they know what to expect
- Be Trustworthy – Always keep your student confidential information private.
Show Your Charm
Teachers are sometimes portrayed as steely, inhuman, academic machines driving only towards the state test laid out for them, but think of the teachers who have made an impact on your life.The most memorable teachers are confident, visionary, and have something to offer beyond the day's work. They take a genuine interest in students as people. Teachers are extremely effective when they show a charismatic side of themselves that spurs people towards a given learning or life goal. Think you can't be dynamic? That you either "have it or don't"? Think again. Research shows that with just a few simple and trainable adjustments anyone can significantly boost their "Charisma Quotient" quickly, simply, and powerfully.
- Announce Their Importance – Disengaged students need to hear that you need them, their knowledge and their experiences.
- Increase Your Animation – Practice a more engaging vocal tone & better body language.
- Tap Their Emotions – Showing passion for your work is a great way to generate passion in theirs
- Brainstorm Often - Foster interest by discussing unconventional solutions to achieving goals
- Stay Positive – Boost your level of optimism and watch confidence & productivity grow.
As it is with most career aspirations, becoming a more productive teacher and better leader is a matter of desire. You won't find a transformative "magic pill" in any book, regardless of the claim. If you would like to improve upon your current skills and abilities as a teacher, take the time to practice effective behaviors, that fit within your style, and never stop taking steps forward. Please use the exercise associated with this article to aid you on your path towards a more fulfilling career for yourself, and those you teach. You can find them here: Exercise: Message, Tone, and Body Language.
Duke Kelly
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