Most Important Skills For A Professor At CSU Long Beach
For a role like Professor at CSU Long Beach, Herman emphasizes that strong communication skills are paramount, highlighting the importance of "public speaking" and "being able to teach others in different ways" beyond simply reading slides. Herman underscores that being knowledgeable, adaptable to current trends, capable of conducting research to answer student questions, and effective at collaborating with colleagues and committees are crucial for success in the ever-evolving academic landscape, especially given the shift from pre- to post-COVID teaching environments.
Communication, Teaching, Research, Collaboration, Adaptability
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Herman Singh
Professor
CSU Long Beach
CSU Long Beach
Economics
Education, Nonprofit, Foundations & Grantmaking
Education
Scholarship Recipient, Pell Grant Recipient, Worked 20+ Hours in School, First Generation College Student
Video Highlights
1. Public speaking is a crucial skill, even for those who are initially shy. Confidence is also key when teaching or presenting information to others.
2. Effective teaching involves providing conceptual and real-life context to problems, which strengthens both the students' and the instructor's understanding.
3. It's important to stay up-to-date with current trends and be able to conduct research to answer student questions, fostering engagement and learning. Adaptability and the ability to work with others in various settings are also vital skills for educators.
Transcript
What skills are most important for a job like yours?
Public speaking is something I enjoy teaching, which is funny because I was a shy student growing up. I tended to keep to myself, do my work, and then leave. So, public speaking is a significant skill I've developed over time.
Having confidence in yourself is also crucial. Being knowledgeable about the subject matter and able to teach it in different ways is important. I know some students feel faculty members just read off slides, and that's not really teaching.
Providing conceptual and real-life context to problems helps students truly understand. It also strengthens your own understanding. A great piece of advice I received is that if you can teach something to someone who knows nothing about it, you're likely well-versed in it yourself. I really try to focus on these aspects.
Public speaking and self-confidence are extremely important because you are teaching something for the first time. You need to be knowledgeable, but it's also okay not to know the answer. Being up-to-date with current trends and being able to do research are also vital.
In my classes, students ask many interesting questions. If I don't know the answer, I'm honest and say I'll find out and get back to them by the next class. I know how to research to find those answers or provide a starting point for them. This helps students feel more engaged because they see their questions are valued and they can learn more.
Being able to work with others is another key skill. Teaching involves more than just classroom instruction; there are other responsibilities like working on committees or with colleagues and staff members. Being professional, adaptable, and able to work in different settings are all great skills to have.
Adaptability is especially important now, as what worked before COVID may not work now. Changing with the times and adjusting are very important skills.