Question on Teachers Competence

I am sorry to have to say this. But before doing so, what are you teaching? I really hate to say it but I think it's quite difficult to teach something if you haven't experienced it yet. I mean, yes, you may know a lot about the topic because of reading and researching, but it's quite different on the field. Unless you are teaching basic math, or English/Language, and other basic stuff. But if you're teaching major courses, I say you don't have the right to teach that for now. I'm really sorry. You see, when I graduated, I was asked to teach my course the next year and was advised to take my Masters along with it. I am actually very much interested with teaching (I've been wanting to do so all my life ~ though I didn't take up education). But I felt very disturbed to the fact that these students' parents are paying the school and the teachers to teach their kids based on the experiences in the outside world. Teachers are the mediators of students on how they could deal their lives outside the four corners of the home and the school, so how could you make the experience a little bit more realistic if you yourself are not familiar with how it is outside? Learning the books is very much different from the interactions of really trying it out outside the class. So, I didn't pursue the teaching, instead I worked. Took my Masters after 5years of meaningful employment experience and now have completed it. This coming semester, I could then say I'm ready to face whatever questions life in school could throw me. But, don't be sad my friend. I don't mean to be very harsh. I'm just saying it frankly to challenge you. If you feel incompetent because these kids are only a year younger than you, then show them that you have the right to teach them. Do something creative. How? Well, if you're teaching business course, then try to have a business of your own or work a part time job on the field you are teaching. When I was in college, I really respected the professors who had jobs and took the teaching part time. They had the best ideas and coolest thoughts, though yeah, there was respect for teachers too, but I found that those full time teachers who didn't really experience outside where too bookish and couldn't learn to bend or question the writer of the text. :) So, just do what you feel is necessary. But of course, you're only a mediator. It's their life.

My sister is a primary teacher and my two aunts as well, i always see them making lesson plans and studying it, i think you need some strategies in your teaching style, anyway you're just a fresh grad, my sister is a bit strict in her students, but she is close to them, anyway are you a primary? secondary? or college teacher? you can do it, good luck

A teacher has to be an actor as well. You need to put on a performance as if on a stage. You need to let your character blossom. You need humour. You need passion. You need pathos. You need an Oscar!! haha You have one of the most powerful jobs going so it is not surprising that it is not the easiest of jobs to get right. Keep at. You will succeed I'm sure. Good luck.

Indeed, it's not easy to become a teacher and be good at that. Well in fairness, we can be even very good at that if we want to: dedication, passion, patience open-mindedness, motivation, acceptance and even humility-- these are just few of the many characteristics you need to possess if you want to be an EFFECTIVE and AFFECTIVE teacher. But basing on your feelings right now, it's just but normal being a neophyte in the profession, honestly I believe, you're in the right track...Good luck!

Unfortunately,I did suffer from my incompetent instructors during my college days. How do I know? Well, when I started my (Architecture)practice, I noticed that my instructor is too bookish that the details that should have been there is not practical at all. I was so embarrassed in front of my laborers.What i am saying is for you to GET REAL.Understand what are their capabilities and apply some practical ideas.Do not take all lessons from the book.

frankly i am not a education graduate, but i am used in public speaking because of my christian profession as a teacher and a preacher...what are the things you have to do to get their attention is to be the best teacher and different from others..impress this people whom i believe is measuring you up..try not to fail them but make the best from their expectation..deliver your lesson in a dynamic way and soon you will not only win their attention but will make a lasting good impressions that they will never forget their whole life...

I am a teacher and I can only share my methods for the first grader since I am a pre school educator. I do a lot of dynamo within the room. I do acting, dancing, singing, playing magic tricks, and a lot more. I know that this may be too awkward for you to do with the 19 year olds. But you can try integrating their interests with your discipline. For example, if your students are basketball fanatics, then try using famed names in that field. If they are computer geeks, try it as well. You just have to assess your students needs. I believe that you can do it. The fact that you were able to finish you course make me believe so. Have a great time teaching. Mabuhay Teachers!

When I did my teacher training we had to write detailed lesson plans and after each lesson a detailed evaluation. At first it took much time to prepare for lessons and do all the planning sheets but after the first three years it took less time. When I began teaching it was tiring and my class was quite noisy. I say capture your students interest and have rewards for good work and behavior. If you set high standards your students should begin to copy you. Good luck and remember each cohort of students is different. In 2006 they most of them were below average but in 2007 most of them were above average, for example.

I am not a teacher inthe field that you are but I do operate a homework centre and have to teach. I have also doena research on our Education system here and teacehr competence was one of the issue raised. I beleive that you have to be able to motivate these children. If you can speak to them on a one to one basis to find out what they really want from life and the direction they have taken or should take this may help. As a student I am self motivated. However not everybody is like me so we have to try to show some interest in them and speak to them encouraging them that whatever they set their minds to they can do it. Leave yourself open to assist them and let them know that you are available to assist anytime. If you are secure enough you could also ask them what they would change about the way the lesson is being presented to them. You will be surprised at the response. Do lesson plans that are interactive, group assignment and research - allow them to talk and discuss. Most of all I believe that you need to become interested in them. Let them know that you are not their parent but you are there for them as a teacher and someone they can talk to. I have learnt that teenagers are at an age where they are more confused than ever and need special love, care and guidance to make the change needed to enter adulthood. Speak with them and see what happens and please let me know if you have done so and the feedback. You see you have been communciating the information to them and the results say that the knowledge is poor. Ask them - feedback from them is important - talk to them. do not be afraid you have all the necessary requisites- the fact tha tyou take all the time to prepare is good and let them know that. ask them waht is wrong why the results are so low. They will tell you but try to build a relationship of trust with them.

It surprises me that you have been asked to teach your classmates, I would have thought that the college wouldn't allow it. If you feel incompetent perhaps you could go work in the field you teach for a year and then go and teach? A lot of the well respected and competant teachers I know have had experience of working outside out teaching which really inspires their students. One of my closest friends teaches part time and runs her own small business. It works really well for her. However I do have a friend who worked in education and then qualified as a teacher, she was very confident as she teaches younger pupils. So perhaps you could teach a younger age range until you feel more confident? Your students should always pay attention to you, no matter their age is. You are their teacher and should command their respect, unfortunately I know that is easier said than done. Good luck!

I wish I could help you there but I am no good when it comes to teaching really. I am probably better with children though than young adults. I wish you lots of luck though on getting meaningful responses that can hel;p you out with this question.

I will graduate soon and I will probably embark in this field too as a business teacher. A teacher must not only teach what is in the textbooks but must also show each student their real potential of doing things. Once they realise this, they will become confident and will start performing very well. Try it- show your students that they are very worthy, encourage them.

Way back in elementary i had this Religion teacher who happened to have a very short temper. For kids sake, i was just eleven that time and i've witness rage. He just punched the board which left a crater marked as his fist. I think he's giving us a messages that if we'll get noisy again, he will be punching us. He needs to undergo anger management. My Theories of Personality teacher in college went to class reeking with Tanduay! I thought someone from the class/students were drinking before the class but the smell points to my teacher which i think is a very very bad example of unprofessionalism.

i think you should show your knowledge at a special way.first,you need to build a nice air all over the class so that your students could accept you easily. best wishes to you~~

Let me try to answer your question. I am not a teacher by profession, but my elder sister and elder brother are teachers. I have heard similar problems from them too. As a student, I have enjoyed the humor and out of syllabus discussion the teachers start in between giving a lecture. I liked those teachers much than those who always stick to the books. You can also try this. Tell short stories. Connect the subject of your teaching with short stories everyday so that student will remember the lessons. Still I remember snell's law in physics as my physics teacher connected a funny thing like "Smell's law' before introducing the actual snell's law. I remember the story as well as the theory. You better should be an actor, passionate in the drama of teaching. Be confident in your skills. Read more, even current day issues you can discuss among your students, but always remember to make them short and take your student along with what you have planned to study. Whatever be the profession, do it passionately. That is the secret of success. You can also do that. Best of luck!