I have just completed my first semester as an English Language lecturer in Sunway University. Only a little over two months, but I've learnt so much already. This is my first time being in the shoes of an educator, and not a student in academia - took me quite a while to get adjusted. I had been extremely lucky because the students I taught had been a wonderful bunch. They were the main reason why I looked forward to waking up each morning and going to work.
I'm not saying that everything had been hunky-dory. There were ups and downs - problematic students and telling-offs to fun lunch and dinner sessions. I'm not perfect either - there had been times I screwed up and made a mess of things. I certainly do not have a lot of experience doing this (although I'm planning to stay on for a long, long time to come), but I've learnt enough to somewhat know how things work. It's not about being the most popular or friendliest lecturer around - it's all about how you leave an impact on a student's life, and how he/she will remember you for years to come.
So here it is, my 10 Steps to Being a Good Educator.
Step 1: Gain respect the right way. A lot of educators demand respect from their students. All they get is forced (fake) respect and sometimes fear, perhaps even hatred. Some lecturers earn respect from their students. What do they get? Respect and love, even going as far as friendship. :)
Step 2: Loosen up and have a little fun. Being a teacher/lecturer isn't just about how much knowledge you can impart to your students through countless exercises and homework. It's also about knowing when to crack jokes and letting them know that knowledge doesn't just come from textbooks, but through life experiences. :)
Step 3: Be a friend. If he doesn't have anyone to talk to about his family problems, or if she has no one to turn to for advice on boys, be there for him/her. Give them a hug, let them cry in your arms. Hold their hands and tell them that no matter what, you'll be there for them. Sometimes that little bit of assurance is all that's enough to make a big difference. :)
Step 4: Be confident. Even if you've no idea what you're doing, stand tall and be sure of yourself. :)
Step 5: Be someone they can look up to. Teach them to be considerate human beings through your actions, not words. :)
Step 6: Open up. It's okay to let them in a little. So you had fun attending Justin Bieber's concert the weekend before, or if you're feeling a little down because you just had a fight with your best friend - open up and talk about it. Trying to show them that you're invincible/emotionless isn't going to help in strengthening bonds. :)
Step 7: Explain, not insist. They have their mothers to tell them what they should or shouldn't be doing. As an educator, lay out options and let them make their own choices/decisions. Treat them like adults, not children. :)
Step 8: Practice patience. Perhaps some of them aren't very good in expressing themselves. Take the time to listen to them. Inspire and motivate them to go on, and get better with time. :)
Step 9: Look at things from their point of view. So you've been a little too strict with the marking - listen to them when they come to you and lament. Stand in their shoes and try to understand where they're coming from. We all make hasty judgments sometimes. The important thing is to admit it and make amends. :)
Step 10: Lay down the ground rules from the very beginning. Make sure they know how much they can push you, and not overstep the boundaries while they're at it. :)
~Ash Greig
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