How to Be a Great Teaching Professor

Summary

This video offers key advice on becoming a better teacher, using the acronym 'CRAZY' to guide educators. The speaker emphasizes the importance of caring for students, using real-world examples to connect lessons to students' lives, sharing actual experiences to make the content relatable, and teaching with zeal and enthusiasm. Lastly, the role of 'you' as a teacher is critical in setting the tone for the classroom. By focusing on these elements, educators can improve student engagement and create a meaningful impact in their students' lives.

Takeaways

• 😊 Care for your students by speaking with and listening to them, and by understanding their personal and professional challenges.
• 🌍 Use real-world examples that resonate with your students’ lives and interests to make learning more relevant and engaging.
• 💼 Share actual experiences from your professional life, or bring in guest speakers who can offer real-world insights.
• ⚡ Teach with zeal and enthusiasm. Your energy will inspire students and make lessons more engaging.
• 👂 Create a welcoming environment for students to approach you, whether during office hours or after class.
• 🎓 Tailor your teaching to address your students' future career goals and current challenges, such as student debt and social pressures.
• 📝 Use practical examples like team projects to prepare students for real-world situations and workplace dynamics.
• 👨‍🏫 You set the tone in the classroom. If you're excited about the subject, your students will be too.
• 🏫 Recognize that teaching is as important as research and other academic responsibilities. Students are the reason professors exist.
• 🎥 Seek continuous improvement by learning from experienced educators and using available teaching resources at your institution.

Q & A

What is the main message of the video transcript?

The main message of the video transcript is to provide guidance on how to become a better teacher or professor by adopting a student-centered approach, using real-world examples, sharing actual experiences, and showing enthusiasm and care for students.

What does the acronym 'CRAZY' stand for in the context of teaching?

In the context of teaching, 'CRAZY' stands for: C - Care for your students, R - Use Real-world examples, A - Share Actual experiences, Z - Show Zeal and enthusiasm, Y - You set the tone for the class.

Why is caring for students considered important for being a good teacher?

Caring for students is important because it creates a welcoming environment, helps students feel supported, and encourages them to engage more with the class. When students know that their professor cares about their success and future, they are more likely to be motivated and perform better.

How can real-world examples improve a student's learning experience?

Real-world examples help students relate theoretical concepts to practical, everyday situations. By connecting lessons to things they understand, such as their coffee or iPhones, students can better grasp complex ideas and see the relevance of their education to their future careers.

What should a teacher do if they lack direct professional experience in the subject they are teaching?

If a teacher lacks direct professional experience, they can invite guest speakers, such as alumni or professionals from the field, to share their experiences. This brings authenticity and practical insights to the classroom that can enrich the students' understanding.

Why is enthusiasm (zeal) essential for effective teaching?

Enthusiasm is essential because it sets the energy and tone for the class. When a teacher is passionate about the subject, it inspires students to be more interested and engaged. A lack of enthusiasm can lead to a boring and uninspired class, which negatively impacts learning.

What role does the teacher play in setting the tone of the classroom?

The teacher plays a crucial role in setting the tone of the classroom. Their attitude, energy, and approach to teaching can make a subject either exciting or dull. The teacher’s actions and mindset directly influence the classroom environment and the students' learning experience.

How can teachers balance teaching with other academic responsibilities like research?

Teachers can balance teaching with research by prioritizing time management and remembering that students are the reason for the institution’s existence. By investing effort into teaching and utilizing available resources, such as guest speakers or teaching assistants, professors can manage both research and effective teaching.

What advice is given for teachers who want to improve their teaching skills?

Teachers are advised to seek out resources such as teaching academies, online materials, or videos on teaching methods. Additionally, observing other successful teachers and learning from their strategies can provide practical insights for improving their own teaching approach.

Why is it important for teachers to understand the challenges students face, such as student loan debt or social media addiction?

Understanding the challenges students face, such as student loan debt or social media addiction, helps teachers empathize with their struggles and adjust their teaching accordingly. This awareness allows teachers to support students better, create a more conducive learning environment, and address their needs in a more compassionate way.