What Constitutes a Good Instructor?

[scottnshelly]

My opinion on what makes a good Instructor has recently changed. I’m interested to hear your definition. Are there certain characteristics that are required, in your opinion, to be a good Instructor? Training, belt color, school, quality equipment, etc?

Thanks,

[AndrewGreen]

a good attitude, open mind and willingness to continue learning. One that learns not only the technical skills and traditions but takes an interest in sports sciences as well. Understanding of teaching theory, different learning types, and safe training is valued over "traditional".

[Red J]

Well the ideal instructor needs the following:

A knowledge base to draw from (ie experience, BB or above)

An ability to relate to people (some people are great MA with no people skills)

The ability to demonstrate techniques properly and to modify them, if necessary, for different levels and body types.

Must be able to speak the language of the beginners yet still engage the advanced.

Should always be learning and continuing his/her own skills.

They should also have maturity, reliability, credibility, and patience.

How's that?

[MartialArthur]

Good answers so far...

Should also be a great motivator. Students should leave class excited about coming back next time.

..

[MartialArthur]

The ability to demonstrate techniques properly and to modify them, if necessary, for different levels and body types.

I disagree with this one. I'd like to think that when I'm old and can't demonstrate all the moves that I could still be a great teacher...perhaps even a better teacher. (you know, with all that wisdom and stuff)

..

[Red J]

The ability to demonstrate techniques properly and to modify them, if necessary, for different levels and body types.

I disagree with this one. I'd like to think that when I'm old and can't demonstrate all the moves that I could still be a great teacher...perhaps even a better teacher. (you know, with all that wisdom and stuff)

..

Well, I meant the ability to demonstrate techniques properly versus demonstrating them improperly. I have an instructor that is rehabing his back and will have a senior student demonstrate a technique that he is unable to do. Even in this case the technique is done properly even if the instructor is incapable of doing it him/herself.

[marie curie]

This is a great thread! I think that great instructors require

-Knowledge and Understanding of what they are teaching

-Ability to communicate it affectively

-Ability to recognize and attend to the martial arts needs of the student

-Knowledge that they do not posess all knowledge, and may still learn new things

-Willingness to use all this for the benefit of the students and the art

[scottnshelly]

Excellent answers. Thanks to everyone so far.

What about the issue of teaching from a curriculum or teaching what the student wants to learn? I know that this can vary and depends on circumstances. If a student comes in and is not interested in a lifelong journey to Black Belt, would a “good Instructor” turn him away or adjust to meet his needs and interests?

[jaymac]

I think that a good instructor would not necessarily cater to the person who comes in and doesn't want that life long journey, but train him as he trains others. A good instructor can keep his students yearning for more. I believe a person taking classes from a good instructor would find it hard not to want to stay and continue their journey, even if they aren't interested in ranking.

[Holland]

Good:

Has the ability to laugh and have a good time

Teaches good karate

Is not in it for the money

Promotes based on time in rank and merit.

Makes class interesting and promotes dojo fellowship

Is as good of a student as they are a teacher

Bad:

Promotes on a schedule regardless of ability

Promotes to keep people from quitting

Is too stuck on demanding respect instead of earning it

Plays politics

Is an egotist

Makes training tedious and rarely varies class

Treats the adult class like children and makes taking karate less fun than going to work