A really great instructor

[Ceicei]

How do you define a really great instructor? Knowledge and skill in the respective martial arts is, of course, a necessity but that alone is not what makes a great instructor. What else? What qualities do you notice in those outstanding instructors? List them here, please, and any anecdotes/kudos would be good too!!

- Ceicei

 

[Gary Crawford]

Checks ego at the door.Cares enough about his/her students to get them in the best possible shape.Cares enough about students to not let them make the same mistake over and over.Looks at students as individuals.Understands that martial art is not the only thing in the students lives.

 

[Lisa]

Checks ego at the door.Cares enough about his/her students to get them in the best possible shape.Cares enough about students to not let them make the same mistake over and over.Looks at students as individuals.Understands that martial art is not the only thing in the students lives.

plus...

1) good sense of humor.
2) has fun at what he is doing and wants the same for others.
3) Patient with adults and especially children.

 

[Baytor]

My Hapkido instructor is great. Good sense of humor, very skilled as a martial artist, can relate the information in a way the students understand, all in all, a really great guy. Another thing about him...he makes us practice the throws and takedowns on him to make sure our technique is perfect.

 

[MisterMike]

All good examples posted. But what make the differenece between an Instructor and a Teacher?

 

[Ceicei]

Knows how to make students feel good about themselves, gives praise, and gives corrections in a way that is easily accepted.

I like--no, make that love--the way how my instructor does it. He was watching me do a transitional stance with a staff form. I couldn't get the stance to work. With his trademark smile and twinkle in his eye, he says, " Ahh, let's try it this way to make it go easier!" and demonstrates how by breaking down the motions of the transitional stance. I followed him, and by golly, it went better and definitely easier to do! I liked the way he never, ever, made us feel stupid for doing anything. He truly enjoys being with us and it shows.

- Ceicei

 

[JPR]

... gives praise, and gives corrections in a way that is easily accepted.

I like--no, make that love--the way how my instructor does it. He was watching me do a transitional stance with a staff form. I couldn't get the stance to work. With his trademark smile and twinkle in his eye, he says, " Ahh, let's try it this way to make it go easier!" and demonstrates how by breaking down the motions of the transitional stance. I followed him, and by golly, it went better and definitely easier to do! I liked the way he never, ever, made us feel stupid for doing anything. He truly enjoys being with us and it shows.

- Ceicei

Right there are a couple of traits that make a great teacher. Being able to correct someone without making them feel stupid is wonderful.

A couple of other things I admire are; someone that learns his/her students abilities so that they can target the teaching to a level that the student can handle, and a teacher that teaches the underlying principles as well as techniques so that I learn the principle and am able to apply it beyond the technique.

JPR

 

[Lisa]

just one more point...

I like a teacher that has an open mind and can learn from his students. Doesn't have that belief that they have completed their journey and knows all.

 

[TigerWoman]

An "instructor" throws knowledge at your wall and what sticks is up to the student. The instructor doesn't necessarily hold the responsiblity for the progress of the student. He does not have a personal vested interest in the individual student. His interest is only in the broad scheme of education. So therefore, he may warn a student who is failing but does not really help or be responsible for the student to succeed. Like in college, it is up to the student to graduate. An instructor is just a provider of knowledge. This is not a true martial art instructor/teacher.

A martial arts teacher, however, is a personal guide for the student. He can show/execute the techniques, one step and a time that he wants you to learn. He seems to have infinite patience. He adjusts his teaching to the individual so that the student progresses. He looks out for the student's well-being and best interests and trains his weaknesses and strengths. He gives help when needed and encourages and maybe praises his strengths or progress. He does not show favoritism or partiality in any way except for health, ie. giving someone easier standards to some and not to others.

A good teacher never stops learning himself. He is constantly upgrading his skills and knowledge. He introduces innovative teaching methods to learn differently. He makes learning the martial art fun. He has a good attitude and may even be entertaining while the rest of us are in pain.

And not least of all, a teacher should be a role model of what he is trying to teach not only physically, but mentally. He should be a person that can be respected and trusted-- a person who has integrity and humility.

I think the last part is the most important part of all. Because without it the "teacher" becomes just an instructor. TW

 

[kenpo tiger]

An "instructor" throws knowledge at your wall and what sticks is up to the student. The instructor doesn't necessarily hold the responsiblity for the progress of the student. He does not have a personal vested interest in the individual student. His interest is only in the broad scheme of education. So therefore, he may warn a student who is failing but does not really help or be responsible for the student to succeed. Like in college, it is up to the student to graduate. An instructor is just a provider of knowledge. This is not a true martial art instructor/teacher.

A martial arts teacher, however, is a personal guide for the student. He can show/execute the techniques, one step and a time that he wants you to learn. He seems to have infinite patience. He adjusts his teaching to the individual so that the student progresses. He looks out for the student's well-being and best interests and trains his weaknesses and strengths. He gives help when needed and encourages and maybe praises his strengths or progress. He does not show favoritism or partiality in any way except for health, ie. giving someone easier standards to some and not to others.

A good teacher never stops learning himself. He is constantly upgrading his skills and knowledge. He introduces innovative teaching methods to learn differently. He makes learning the martial art fun. He has a good attitude and may even be entertaining while the rest of us are in pain.

And not least of all, a teacher should be a role model of what he is trying to teach not only physically, but mentally. He should be a person that can be respected and trusted-- a person who has integrity and humility.

I think the last part is the most important part of all. Because without it the "teacher" becomes just an instructor. TW

TW,
As always, concise, to the point, and well-said! KT

 

[TigerWoman]

Thanks KT, needless to say, my instructor is lacking in a few of these things... This was part of my thesis for my 2nd dan test which I read to him. TW

 

[Kenpo Mama]

A good teacher never stops learning himself. He is constantly upgrading his skills and knowledge. He introduces innovative teaching methods to learn differently...

And not least of all, a teacher should be a role model of what he is trying to teach not only physically, but mentally. He should be a person that can be respected and trusted-- a person who has integrity and humility.

I think the last part is the most important part of all. Because without it the "teacher" becomes just an instructor. TW

Bravo TW, well stated!!!! Especially the part about being a person that can be respected and trusted!!!! INTEGRITY IS KEY!

Peace,

Donna :asian:

 

[Kenpo Mama]

Thanks KT, needless to say, my instructor is lacking in a few of these things... This was part of my thesis for my 2nd dan test which I read to him. TW

WOW, TW you read this to him, I love it!!!! Did he pick up on this at all???? Did ya make him twitch?

Donna

 

[DeLamar.J]

How do you define a really great instructor? Knowledge and skill in the respective martial arts is, of course, a necessity but that alone is not what makes a great instructor. What else? What qualities do you notice in those outstanding instructors? List them here, please, and any anecdotes/kudos would be good too!!

- Ceicei

Being able to put complex technique applications in simple words. There are alot of great martial artists out there, but being a great martial artist and being a great teacher are to very different things. For instance, just because person A can beat person B in full contact, does not mean that person B is not the better instructor to have.
There is a lady at my gym who is very good at explaining techniques and exactly how they are used, in a very easy to understand way. Where some of the bigger stronger guys might be able to beat her, they are not the ones who are the better teachers.
The instructor also has to be a people person, if you give off the slightest bit of ego while teaching you can make some students nervous or afraid of you, which will slow there learning process graetly and cause them to mess up from being so nervous around you. YOur students have to feel like you are there good friend, someone they can relax around, and learn from. Thats what being a good teacher is all about. I like to create a very relaxed, and fun training environment. Where if a student want to pick up the pace and go hard core, it is there choice, I hate teachers who force there students to fight hard if they are not ready.

 

[TigerWoman]

I read all of this and much more. He twitched. He was writing like crazy during my "reading" but said absolutely nothing about what I said. Actually, he didn't have any comments to me except that I do pushups good. hummmph!

Then the latest 5 page letter I sent, did ruffle his feathers but he was pretty humble, I have to admit at that last meeting. He didn't want to get into anything confrontational. I have a feeling it will always be fire and brimstone between us. Least, I can speak up for the women when I go back. TW

 

[Kenpo Mama]

I read all of this and much more. He twitched. He was writing like crazy during my "reading" but said absolutely nothing about what I said. Actually, he didn't have any comments to me except that I do pushups good. hummmph!

Then the latest 5 page letter I sent, did ruffle his feathers but he was pretty humble, I have to admit at that last meeting. He didn't want to get into anything confrontational. I have a feeling it will always be fire and brimstone between us. Least, I can speak up for the women when I go back. TW

You rock! Bet you felt so much better just getting it all out there! Congrats.

Donna :ultracool :asian:

 

[Ceicei]

But what make the differenece between an Instructor and a Teacher?

An "instructor" throws knowledge at your wall and what sticks is up to the student. The instructor doesn't necessarily hold the responsiblity for the progress of the student. He does not have a personal vested interest in the individual student. His interest is only in the broad scheme of education. So therefore, he may warn a student who is failing but does not really help or be responsible for the student to succeed. Like in college, it is up to the student to graduate. An instructor is just a provider of knowledge. This is not a true martial art instructor/teacher.

I think the last part is the most important part of all. Because without it the "teacher" becomes just an instructor. TW

I have to disagree with you to a point. Is there really that much of a distinction between one who instructs and one who teaches?

According to the American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 4th edition:

in·struc·tor ([font=verdana, sans-serif] P [/font]) Pronunciation Key (

n-str

k

t

r) n.
1. One who instructs; a teacher
teach·er ([font=verdana, sans-serif] P [/font]) Pronunciation Key (t

ch

r) n.
1. One who teaches, especially one hired to teach.

I think, personally, to instruct and to teach are basically the same, semantically speaking. One is just a teeny bit formal in how it is used (as far as academics go--children in grade/secondary schools say "teacher", college students say "instructor"). Now a person wants to attach a personal interpretation of certain words, then I suppose there is a distinction between "teacher" and "instructor".

Now, if you are looking at something that goes beyond teaching and instructing, I think the word would be "mentor". An excellent teacher/instructor should also be a mentor.

- Ceicei

 

[ppko]

How do you define a really great instructor? Knowledge and skill in the respective martial arts is, of course, a necessity but that alone is not what makes a great instructor. What else? What qualities do you notice in those outstanding instructors? List them here, please, and any anecdotes/kudos would be good too!!

- Ceicei

Omeone that you can trust and relate to. I not only like to learn but I like to know that I have not only a great Martial Arts relationship with my instructor but a great personal relationship with them as well

 

[Ceicei]

Omeone that you can trust and relate to. I not only like to learn but I like to know that I have not only a great Martial Arts relationship with my instructor but a great personal relationship with them as well

Ah yes, a level of trust goes a long way! I like it when my instructor knows me well enough to know how I learn and how best to teach me. He also knows me well enough to read my demeanor (whether I've had a good day or a bad day) and make it so that I leave the class feeling good.

- Ceicei

 

[ppko]

Ah yes, a level of trust goes a long way! I like it when my instructor knows me well enough to know how I learn and how best to teach me. He also knows me well enough to read my demeanor (whether I've had a good day or a bad day) and make it so that I leave the class feeling good.

- Ceicei

I completely agree, without this understanding I feel like just another business deal