Great post, and I understand that lack of self-confidence sometimes. Trying to be both an expert in the subject and an expert teacher is extremely difficult. I think that you are doing the right thing by being as transparent as possible. Sometimes the best thing that we can do for our students is not necessarily be an encyclopedia, but be able to speak well to the things we do know and be honest about the things we do not or could improve upon. Occasionally, that hesitation can lead to “let’s learn together” moments which can be fun despite our fears of losing credibility. I hope that our students see us as human as much as they see us as experts. It is a tough balance and that confidence will likely grow over time.

Great post, and I am sorry to hear about your challenges pertaining to your voice. It definitely appears to be a struggle for many teachers, new or seasoned. The space can be a really challenging obstacle for many of us, even when we do feel comfortable with our “authentic voice.” My classroom is set up similarly, and it does take away quite a bit from their experience. I hate to be the one to say, “adapt and work with what you have”, but until universities provide us with a better opportunity, I am at a loss for suggestions. Students desire better and we as instructors desire better. Hopefully the supply will meet the demand moving forward…

I really enjoyed your post and approach to the classroom. I have always felt that there was plenty of room for my personality in the classroom. There is no denying that this affects the course; it absolutely does. However, our personality can be a positive addition to the classroom if done well. Maybe there is still plenty of room for lectures, so long as we are moderating or facilitating the material that they are engaging instead of simply talking at them. The key, for me, is being honest and vulnerable in the classroom. Students are likely to expect teacher bias and objective material – they would just prefer to tell them apart, not necessarily toss one or the other out completely. Great post.

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I will add to your comments about teachers being trained. I think professors should get advice about teaching from their colleagues. “Colleagues can provide helpful insights about teaching specific courses and about teaching in general (what works and what doesn’t)” (WUSTL, 2018). Some universities may provide new professors with feedback about their teaching. At Washington University in St. Louis, “Gina Frey, Executive Director of The Teaching Center, is available to observe your teaching and to consult with you on teaching matters, such as course planning, improving student learning, and grading” (WUSTL, 2018).

Washington University in St. Louis (WUSTL). 2018. Tips for Faculty Teaching for the First Time. Retrieved from http://teachingcenter.wustl.edu/resources/course-design/tips-for-faculty-teaching-for-the-first-time/

I will add to your comments about class size. I found an article that mentions teaching methods differ by class size. “According to students, instructors in small and medium classes are more likely to involve students in hands-on projects and real-life activities, assign projects that require original or creative thinking, form teams or discussion groups to facilitate learning, and ask students to help each other understand concepts or ideas. Perhaps most troubling is that students in large and very large classes report the instructor is less likely to inspire them to set and achieve goals that really challenge them” (Benton & Pallett, 2013). I think student input should be sought when considering the size of future classes.

Benton, S.L. & Pallett, W.H. (2013, January 29). Class Size Matters. Inside Higher Ed. Retrieved from https://www.insidehighered.com/views/2013/01/29/essay-importance-class-size-higher-education

I will add to your comments about a teacher’s personality affecting learning outcomes. According to an article I found, personality is a quality powerful teachers possess (Jenkins, 2015). The personality traits of powerful teachers include being “good-natured and approachable,” “demanding without being unkind,” and “always willing to entertain new ideas” (Jenkins, 2015). The three other qualities mentioned in the article are preparation, passion, and presence. It is important to acknowledge that “If you weren’t born with the personality traits of a great teacher, you can still work to develop some of those traits” (Jenkins, 2015).
Jenkins, R. (2015, March 16).
The 4 Properties of Powerful Teachers. The Chronicle of Higher Education. Retrieved from https://www.chronicle.com/article/The-4-Properties-of-Powerful/228483

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I am too — this class is definitely helping me think about teaching differently!

Indeed! I couldn’t agree more. What I have problem understanding in many “teachers’ ” attitude is trying to act in a certain way to be taken seriously, or to have authority, or to be funny, or any other characteristic that is not theirs. What they don’t think about is that in class you are developing a relationship, and just like any other relationship, the key factors to make it work is being honest, respectful, and see the other person as a holistic human being. Everything else is the by-product and it will be there based on each person’s personality. Sometimes, who you are to one student is different compared to how the other sees you.

Heather, I think the approachable part is super important. One has to be able to facilitate the development of the critical thinking skill set in students, not doing it for them AND be approachable so that if they don’t “get” it then they can ask. Whether you are an educator formally by title or not, you will always be teaching and learning through life in general like all of us, right?!

Thank you for sharing your thoughts Ashley and I think you ask a question that is very complex (read: does not have a simple answer even though I wish it did). I’ve had experiences with people when being “passionate” about a topic of conversation is seen as something else rather than what its meant to be. Knowing that our identities influence the ways in which we think, feel, and behave I’m not surprised it happens. What I do get frustrated with is when its okay for one person to do so but its not a two-way street. Me doing so = not acceptable. Them doing so = passion. Hypocritical much. I believe that one can try to be there true authentic self AND it will come with challenges, because it is never that simple, is it?!