Technical Knowledge
It is important for all educators to keep themselves updated on the new developments in whatever field they are teaching. If not it tends to become stale.
It's absolutely critical that Instructors maintain current knowledge of what is happening in the field. I do part-time work outside of the classroom as well as renewing and adding certifications to my portfolio. I also find I skim a number of technical journals and then look into the areas relevant to what I teach. I think everyone should always maintain there own professional development plan regardless of what their employer requires. I have had many non-traditional students who did not keep up with the industry and have found themselves laid off with outdated knowledge and skills.
Rod
Hi Karen,
That is what be current and relevant is all about. By keeping your own education up to date you are offering your students what they are really going to need when they enter the field.
Well said.
Gary
It is important to remain up-to-date with the field. Communicating with extern sites and peers employed in your area of instruction are great resources as well as joining the email list for updates from all the various agencies that regulate and advise/monitor your specialty such as Medicare.
This is very true. I think if you do not stay current with your teaching style and how the students are learning they will trail off and think that the subject is boaring, no matter what the topic.
I strongly agree. I am a new instructor and have been out of the field for 3 months. There have already been changes.I believe students should be aware of updates on existing products, as well as, up and coming changes that they will face in their future.
Hi James
I would suggest that you develop a professional plan for yourself that lists the opportunities for you to enhance your teaching skills and the industry training you think you need to keep current with your field. You can select specific opportunities and then share them with your college. Many times they will help you to attend these training sessions. If the requests come from you the college will see how interested you are in keeping current will in many cases try to support you.
Gary
IT is sometimes hard to keep up to speed with changes in the industry . I find talking to other instructors is a good way to keep up to date and find other forms of information
Dan Butler
Clinic 2
Orlando
I have been out of the industry and teaching for 4 years now. I have noticed in 4 years how much has changed and how quickly it has changed.Do you think the orginization is providing us with enough oppertunities for training?
Yes, I agree about staying up to date on the instruction material being taught. Not only, being up to date. But we can also give the students new and up to date information about what is out in the market today.
Thanks. I do belong to a couple of professional organizations that could provide value input/information regarding technical content and instructional strategies.
Thanks. I do use these techniques just needed prompting to remember to use them.
Hi Mable! Thanks for your question. I might also suggest trade or industry journals, and discussing updates and approaches with other instructors in your discipline- sort of a lessons-learned atmosphere.
Jay Hollowell
MaxKnowledge/CEE
Hi Mable,
You are right on target with your two methods of keeping up with your field and the technical knowledge within it.
Another suggestion would be to become a part of your professional organization. There you will receive information about what is happening nationally and internationally, plus you can attend local meetings of the group to talk about technical content and instructional strategies.
Gary
I find that I use 2 basic ways to keep up with technical knowledge in my field-continuing education courses and part-time/consulting job opportunities.Any other suggestions?
I agree,due to the rapid changes of new models.
