Dr. Ray L. Winstead
Professor of Biology (retired),
Indiana University of Pennsylvania

1988

Spring 1989

The following essay by Dr. Ray Winstead was published in "The Forum For Teaching Excellence," a publication of The Teaching Excellence Subcommittee of The Faculty Professional Development Committee, Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Volume 1, Number 1, Spring 1989.

“Attitude”

Having an ATTITUDE of truly caring for students is the foundation of being an excellent teacher. This attitude of caring must be demonstrated clearly to students if one is to be a good teacher. When this ingredient is missing, the best organized or seemingly elegant lecture will probably not be very effective. Those professors just going through the motions without really caring are only fooling themselves if they think they are effective and doing even an acceptable job. Students easily see if a professor cares or not and respond accordingly. Are your students really worth your time, or do you avoid students? Your real priorities will be reflected in how you spend your time.

The first step for improvement is a personal examination of your own priorities to see if they are consistent with being a good teacher. Do students come first? The next step is just to start talking with students, rather than begrudgingly giving them the little time for a response you may offer as you rush to something “more important.” Being available for students with an attitude that at the moment they have your full attention will make all the difference in the world in how effective you are as a teacher. Holding even a few extra help sessions for students help demonstrate your commitment to them and will be appreciated. Caring may not be sufficient by itself to be an excellent teacher, but it is essential. Both you and your students will be richly rewarded with the invigorating atmosphere you create by actively demonstrating your caring. This concept of attitude is certainly not new and appears to be obvious, however it is also a concept worth reminding ourselves of and having in the forefront of our thoughts as we interact with students each day.

Contributors of essays published in this first issue:

Governor of Pennsylvania Robert P. Casey

President of IUP John D. Welty

President, IUP-APSCUF James C. Reber

President, Student Government Association Bob Reich, Jr.

Four Deans

Four Professors

One Graduate Student

One Undergraduate Student

Alternative Titles: "Being an Excellent Teacher: Attitude," “One Key Characteristic of Being an Excellent Teacher,” “Be Nice to Students”