Significant Career Lesson From A Professor At Mt San Jacinto College
David, an Associate Professor of Communication Studies, emphasizes the importance of being open to criticism in teaching, stating that one must "be able to take criticism wisely and use it well" to improve. By actively soliciting feedback from students on areas for improvement, David believes that instructors can "develop and become a better instructor" through adaptation and change.
Communication, Teaching, Criticism, Improvement, Openness
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
David Moss
Associate Professor of Communication Studies
Mt. San Jacinto College
Utah Technical College, BYU, Cal, State, Long Beach
Speech Communication, Cal. State., Long Beach, M.A., Education, Capella University, Ph.D.
Communications
Education
Education
Pell Grant Recipient, Took Out Loans
Video Highlights
1. Be open to criticism: David emphasizes the importance of being receptive to feedback, even when it's difficult to hear. He believes that using criticism wisely is crucial for growth.
2. Seek student feedback: David actively solicits feedback from his students on how he can improve his teaching methods. He asks them what they didn't understand and how he can help them learn better.
3. Adapt and improve: David uses student feedback to make changes to his lesson plans and teaching approach. He believes that continuously adapting and improving is essential for becoming a better instructor.
Transcript
What is one lesson that you have learned that has proven significant in your career?
There are so many things that are really significant. One lesson I've learned that has proven significant is to be open to criticism.
Be open if somebody says, "Hey, you know what? You're not doing this right," or "You need to change the way you're teaching." You need to be open, and I think that's really important. Some instructors might take offense to that, and no one likes being attacked for things they're doing wrong.
But you've got to be able to take criticism wisely and use it well. I often like to ask my students, "What is one principle or thing that you didn't understand?" or "What is something I can improve upon to help you learn better in this environment, in the classroom?"
I think the more you do that as an instructor, the better. It helps you develop and become a better instructor. You can then say, "Okay, this is what I need to change in my lesson plans to help them learn better." That's one thing I wanted to share.
Advizer Personal Links
linkedin.com/in/david-moss-ph-d-39171419, www1.msjc.edu/instructor/emoss/