Qualities of a good instructor

Anyone who “stands up” in front of others to guide learning activities is going to be scrutinized and analyzed critically by the group. Strengths and weaknesses will be consciously or unconsciously noted by the group and instructional effectiveness will be directly affected by the balance of strengths versus weaknesses. Knowing this, each instructor should strive to become one who can be approached, respected, admired, and emulated or imitated.

Here are some examples of personal qualities, capabilities, and characteristics you should have or strive to attain:. Be prompt in meeting the scheduled commitments. Exhibit enthusiasm for your work and interest in your students as individuals and as professional pilots. Be sincere in what you say.
If you personally disagree with the standard method try to see the good points in it and sell those. If you think you have a better approach seek approval from the appropriate authority. Be an authority on your subject and you will have confidence. Fear is based on the unknown; confidence, on knowledge. With confidence and knowledge you can think on your feet and gain respect.
As an instructor you must be patient with the sometimes frustrating errors and inadequacies of the students. Be courteous in dealing with them. By being interested in their progress and helpful with their problems, you will be an acceptable leader of their learning activities. These qualities, applied in a tactful and friendly manner, give you indisputable authority.

Develop your vocabulary so you can express yourself clearly. Watch your diction and pronunciation. It would be nice if everyone had a voice like Paul Harvey, but what is important is how you use the voice you have. By conscious use of tone and volume variation, varying the rate of speech, and inserting purposeful (not verbal) pauses, any voice can be made effective and interesting. You do these things naturally in everyday conversation, so practice using the same conversational delivery on the platform.

The first prerequisite of successful instruction is a strong desire to teach. How do you get this desire? Generally the instructor’s job requires self-motivation. Supervisors can help by providing facilities and materials and by pointing out the importance of the job, but the drive to excel as an instructor must come from you.