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IMPROVING THE INSTRUCTOR
Every instructor can improve his teaching by constant effort. The fact that an
instructor has taught for some time does not mean that he has become a good
instructor. Even if an instructor is rated superior this year, he may not be superior next
year.
a. Good Instruction. Know what makes good instruction. In his efforts to
improve, the instructor must start with an appreciation of the basic elements of good
instruction. He must set standards for himself.
b. Observation. Observe other instructors. The instructor must maintain his
individuality while improving his technique. He should observe other instructors to learn
from them, but should not imitate them to a great extent. Two highly competent
instructors may have radically different personalities and use entirely different
techniques, yet both do a superior job of teaching. Instructors should determine what
they can do well and then develop techniques based on their known abilities, rather
than on abilities that they admire but lack.
c. Analysis. Analyze your own characteristics. Self-evaluation and self-
analysis are essential to improvement. The instructor should try to evaluate his own
teaching and analyze his own characteristics for strengths and weaknesses. He should
build on his strengths and correct his weaknesses.
d. Specific Rather Than General. Concentrate on specific elements. Progress
is made by concentrating on specific techniques and working out a systematic plan for
their improvement. A general attempt by an instructor to do well rarely brings the
significant improvement desired. Attention must be given to improving specific aspects
of instruction.
e. Ask for Criticism. Ask for help from associates. An instructor cannot always
evaluate his own work objectively. He should encourage others to criticize his
instruction and welcome their suggestions. Other instructors, assistant instructors, and
supervisors can identify his strengths and weaknesses more readily than the instructor
himself.
f. Be Consistent. Make constant efforts to improve. The instructor's attitude
toward his work is best judged by the effort he makes to improve. After each lesson,
the good instructor will ask himself how he could have done the job better. He will not
be satisfied with anything but the best. Constant search for the best methods to
improve his soldiers' learning is the most important part of the instructor's plan for
improvement.
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