If I was offered a position as a clinical instructor, I would focus on patience. I like to consider myself a pretty patient person however when I feel myself being pressed for time, or expect something to be known I expect understanding of a subject. I would focus on patience because I know for myself I learn better when I have a patient and understand instructor that is willing to explain and walk me through an area that I am not competent on. Before I come back to work as a clinical instructor I want to gain some real world experience so that I can incorporate my knowledge into the student educational setting.
Some things that I would be able to do to make a great educational experience for students would be, to relate to them as a student, bring current practices into their clinical experiences and bring my passion for the field of dental hygiene. Just as attitudes rub off on those around you, I feel the same goes for passion of the field of dental hygiene. An instructor that is enthusiastic and passionate about what they do, radiates the same effect, it makes students want to achieve greater things and strive to learn and become the best hygienist possible. This is my goal for when I become a clinical instructor, I don’t just want to be good; I want to be the best in order to mold the best.
Teaching with a passion for dental hygiene is a great thing to give to your students as an instructor. This is something not everyone thinks about right from the strart when naming traits, but it definitely should be considered. Students should have a passionate instructor because that rubs off on them and also their patients whom they later teach.
Patience is a virtue especially when instructing students in a clinical setting. The students are under enough pressure, so it becomes a highly tense setting if instructors lose their cool during clinic. Your passion definitely rubs off students and this makes them want to work much harder.
Passion is extremely important! I can definitely tell the difference between faculty members that enjoy their job from those who do not. And truthfully, it affects my mood and willingness to learn during our appoinments.