TRAINING 1.3: Key Elements For a
Good Teacher/Trainer
(2nd part)
In the first part of this article, we talked about two
qualities: adaptation and the knowledge
of the subject.
But it would
be very difficult to speak about knowledge without mentioning the vulgarisation aspect.
To make a concept, an idea understandable, therefore
accessible, is not done by using vulgar language. It is rather done by illustrating
it using simple words that strike the imagination, that are straightforward, which is always a productive method of communication. It allows the elimination of
erroneous interpretations and has the advantage to be much clearer, so more
efficient. In order to well vulgarize a subject, one has to
know very well the language and its nuances. The more the knowledge of the
language is deep, the better and the easier it will be for someone to transform
its content and make it accessible for the training participants.
Even if there is a subject for which we have an in-depth knowledge, if we
are not able to explain it with simple terms, even with all the
knowledge in the world, we will not be a better teacher/trainer.
Right from the start, a concept, an idea, a situation might already be pretty
complex; if we try to describe it with terms and/or words equally complex, we
render this concept, idea, or situation completely unintelligible. Some people say that using a current and accessible
language is preferable in most cases. I say it is preferable in ALL CASES,
no matter if you give a course to a group of engineers or young daily workers.
For example,
if we talk about energy and that we propose a new type of power plant, we could
easily say something like : « This new thermonuclear dynamo produces
over 15 0000 MW per year. » Which, between you and me, may not mean a whole
lot. On the other hand, if we say : « This new device produces
enough energy to sustain a city like Longueuil for a whole year. » It is
much easier to instantly understand the benefits of such a technology.
The last
aspect I want to stretch a bit today is the teacher/trainer’s attitude. Attitude
is a fundamental key because it is the glue that makes everything
that was mentioned so far stick together.
We can be
adaptive, have a deep knowledge on a given subject, be a highly scholarized person, if we do not have a good attitude, the training or course might
become royally boring or, at the least, not have the success it would otherwise deserve.
A good teacher/trainer, I mean a
professional teacher, must be joyful, welcoming, dynamic and have a lot of
energy he can transmit to his audience. There is
nothing more morbid that a teacher/trainer sitting at his desk, in front of his
screen/book who reads his information in a mechanical tone of voice. It is not engaging nor motivating.
Personally, I would not really want to follow or attend too many classes of
this kind.
The same
thing is true if, coming in the class/conference room, we realize that the
teacher is far from being in one of his good days. There is an uneasy feeling
developing instantly among the participants. A cold and disagreeable atmosphere
is then created and hinders the apprenticeship.
On the other hand, the
teacher/trainer who stands up, smiles and create some interaction between
himself and the participants where every one has fun and learns what is to be learnt, this person will
never have to worry about the participation rate of those who enlist in his/her classes.
Also, I
believe that a good teacher must have a good sense of humor, appropriate and of good
taste. I remember a French teacher in high school who was always as
serious as a heart attack except in those rare occasions where she would allow
herself a little joke (always a very, very bad one) that everyone already knew.
But for her, the joke was so funny. We used to raise our eyes to the skies and
would “disconnect” from the moment for a few minutes, time for us to absorb the
ludicrous moment. Humor is an efficient tool to disarm shyness, to lighten heavy
moments, to cut short to sudden prolonged silences, and so on. Well
used, it is an enjoyable complement to establish a cordial, friendly and warm
atmosphere filled with complicity/cooperation.
It would be difficult to conclude this blog without
speaking about RESPECT and CONTROL in the teacher/trainer’s attitude. These
two aspects are intimately intertwined and have a great influence on how will
the upcoming classes be. A professional teacher knows perfectly well that
nobody learns, understands or functions the same way or at the same pace. Any
good teacher must then remain respectful towards people he
teaches and towards also some situations he/she will face, no matter
what are the circumstances. Besides, if we know the language well, we soon
realize that it is possible to say just about anything using a politically
correct fashion, if only with a simple smile. Once respect is well established,
it is easy to control the classes, to orient them toward common goals
and make sure that every one has an equal chance to participate.
Regarding
control, my personal experience has taught me that it was preferable, and by
far, to ask the participants how they see their training, what they want out of
it and what level of personal implication are they ready to commit; which
activities they would like to do, or not, during the process of the classes. It
is a better approach and it allows a better combinaison of what both parties
want in order to accomplish the specified objectives. So instead of trying to
impose your way, even if you how well it works, always leave the choice to the
participants who follow the training. After all, isn’t the customer always
right?
Looking
forward to talk with you in an upcoming article,
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