@Radi8nu – Michael Lipka, has replied
Feedback is the lifeblood of a good instructor. Positive and Negative both compose how information delivery has either worked or failed. I wouldn’t say I like surveys, but it is a tool in my toolbag, and I find that having a brief discussion both during and immediately after the class gives me the best gauge of understanding and challenges. I also believe in using the feedback to improve my material and delivery. My customers are my students; giving them what they need to succeed is my mission.
Negative feedback can be challenging as I, like other instructors, invest much of myself in developing and preparing for the class. But teaching now for nearly 15 years, I’ve grown a thick skin, and I examine why the comments were made. Usually, the field service engineer is pressured to be the “expert” immediately after returning to work. People also have lives outside of work, and the adverse events can sometimes bleed into their perspective on everything.
I am on the road, on average, about 50% of the time. It can be lonely, and I miss my family. But I truly enjoy teaching and I feel most comfortable in front of people. My family understands, and prior to taking any teaching position, I have a sit down with the family to discuss the commitment and if it’s a good fit for us.