Do you want to become a better educator? Master these skills

As the world of work continues to evolve, with more and more organizations adopting hybrid work models and becoming increasingly decentralized, the role of the educator has become more important than ever. In this context, it is crucial for educators to possess a set of characteristics that enable them to effectively teach and engage learners, regardless of their location or circumstances.

Subject matter expertise is perhaps the most obvious characteristic of a great educator in this context. With learners dispersed across different locations and time zones, it is important for the educator to have a deep understanding and knowledge of the subject they are teaching in order to provide accurate and relevant information to the learners. This can be gained through education and training, research, and professional experience in the field.

Adaptability is another key characteristic of a great educator in the era of hybrid work and decentralized organizations. With learners potentially facing a variety of challenges and distractions, it is crucial for the educator to be able to adapt their teaching style and approach to the needs and learning style of the individual learners or the group. An educator who is open to new ideas and approaches, and who is continually learning and seeking feedback on their teaching style, will be well-equipped to adapt to the needs of their learners.

Effective communication is another important characteristic of a great educator in this context. With learners potentially located in different parts of the world, it is essential for the educator to be able to communicate complex ideas and concepts in a clear and concise manner, using whatever tools and platforms are available. An educator who is able to effectively communicate with their learners will be more successful in helping them understand and retain the material.

Organizational skills are also crucial for a great educator in this context. With learners potentially juggling multiple tasks and responsibilities, it is important for the educator to be able to plan and organize the content and delivery of the training effectively, in order to minimize disruptions and maximize learning. This can be improved through practice, training, and seeking feedback.

Empathy is another characteristic that can make a great educator in the era of hybrid work and decentralized organizations. It is important for the educator to be able to understand and relate to learners' needs. An educator who is able to understand the perspective of their learners will be better equipped to address their needs and concerns, and to create a positive learning environment.

Finally, creativity is a characteristic that can set a great educator apart in this context. With learners potentially facing a variety of distractions and competing demands, it is important for the educator to be able to think creatively and come up with new and innovative ways to present the material and engage the learners. An educator who is able to expose themselves to new ideas and experiences, seek out diverse perspectives, and allow themselves to think freely and explore new approaches will be more likely to bring a fresh and engaging approach to their teaching.

The characteristics above, when combined, enable the educator to effectively teach and engage the learners, regardless of their location or circumstances. By striving to develop these skills, educators can ensure that they are providing the best possible training experience for their learners in the era of hybrid work and decentralized organizations.

References:

1. Subject matter expertise:

• https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnhum.2022.787576/full This is an article from the journal "Frontiers in Human Neuroscience" on the neural basis of expertis and the role of training and experience.
  
• https://www.researchgate.net/publication/224827585_The_Role_of_Deliberate_Practice_in_the_Acquisition_of_Expert_Performance: This is an article on the process of acquiring expertise and the role of deliberate practice.

2. Adaptability

• https://www.mindtools.com/as4nurl/the-agile-leader : An article from Mind Tools on how to be adaptable.
• A Google Talk by Nilofer Merchant on the power of "onlyness" and how to embrace it to become more adaptable.

   

   

3. Communication skills:

• A TED Talk by Julian Treasure on how to improve listening skills, which is an important part of effective communication.
• https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/teaching-excellent-communication-skills: An article on how to acquire excellent communication skills.

4. Organizational skills:

• https://www.mindtools.com/a5g2h6s/golden-rules-of-goal-setting : An article from Mind Tools on how to master goal setting.
• A video from TED-Ed on how to organize your time effectively.

5. Empathy:

• https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/sustainable-life-satisfaction/202207/how-develop-and-strengthen-your-empathy : An article from Psychology Today on how to cultivate empathy.
• https://hbr.org/2022/08/4-ways-to-communicate-with-more-empathy  An article from the Harvard Business Review on the importance of empathy.

6. Creativity:

• https://www.themarginalian.org/2014/02/19/tiffany-shlain-creative-process/ : An article from The Marginalian on how to be creative.
• A TED Talk by Elizabeth Gilbert on the nature of creativity and how to cultivate it.