I am always looking for ways to improve lecture and critique discussion strategies.
I would like to try the suggested mini-lecture format, and then switch to group activity or discussion (between lectures). Much of my work is hands-on projects with the students, so it is difficult to get them to stop the creative flow with their projects and go back to paying attention to a lecture. Therefore, if the lectures are "mini" format, and more participatory with learning exercises and group collaboration to help them retain the information, that would improve my instruction.
Greetings Colleagues,
My instructional style is based on a combined approach with regard to an inclusive academic environment and real life experiences as well. From my perspective, a better understanding of students' learning styles would greatly help to further develop my skills in this arena.
Kay
The first step would be to continue to practice on the delivery of the material presented.Once mastered,the next step to moniter different instructors style and use some of the proven methods that work for them.
I feel that visual techniques work best with my students. It becomes a constant battle to come up with new ways of keeping them interested and focused.
I always try to do my own course evaluations over the quarter. After the first week, I can get an understanding of what students are grabbing hold of. Mid-quarter I can generate an understanding of what is really helping and not working. During the last week, I try to develop a better understanding of what I can do better for the next class.
I think that by making a one on one connection with each student each day when they start their lab portion of the class will help to build rapport with the students and also encourage that they seek out more help when they need it.
The technique of personal interaction can be employed, i:e eye to eye contact, encouraging group and one on one discussions, listening as well as talking and overall being in tune with the students.
Hi Whitney,
What a great list of professional development activities. You are going to make great strides in you skill development. This benefit both you and your students.
Gary
Hi Kelvin,
Good introspection plan you have. This effort will result in your becoming more expert in instructional delivery.
Gary
What techniques can you employ to further develop, refine and enhance your instructional style?
As an online educator, I try very hard to make sure that my personality comes through in such a way that I can allow students to feel comfortable knowing who I am and what I am like, even though they don't have the benefit of face-to-face interaction with me. In audio lectures I am able to do this most effectively because I can inject some light humor with less chance of confusion than in strictly the written word, which can sometimes be misconstrued.
By employing audio or video announcements, I can further connect with my students to bridge the personal gap online. My style is success-oriented, so I do my best to work with students based on need while still accommodating all students in a course.
Through courses and professional development such as this, I will continue to gain additional skills to further enhance my instructional style on an ongoing basis.
Taking a look at myself and defining my weaknesses and strengths. Also looking at what I expect from my students and what can actually be expected from them at this point. this is an area that I have been assessing.
Hi Stephen,
You are correct that this is a create way of improving your instructional expertise. Keep up your excitement about how you can expand your instructional expertise.
Gary
Hi Tim,
Well stated. By incorporating all of the items you listed you are going to greatly advance in your professional development. Keep up this great effort and vision of how you see yourself as an educator.
Gary
Hi Andrew,
It is amazing how something so simple can be so valuable. By making it a part of their uniform you are showing the importance you attach to it. This will become a part of their career behavior as they enter the real world.
Gary
I try to participate in conferences to keep me knowledgeable and current in my field. Things change so quickly today that it's important not to be left behind. This adds to my credibility as an expert in my field. If I'm not up-to-date on current topics, my students may feel that their education in the course won't be either.
Peer to peer observation is a great technique to help see the way another instructor in the same subject approaches their instructional style. It allows for me to get feedback on something that I may be missing, or the other way around, helps to reinforce that I am doing things well. The other instructor and I can openly discuss teaching tips and the material itself which allows for constant reassessment of the competencies and benefits the overall outcome/student success.
I keep up with continuing education, peer evaluations and student evaluations
I feel the ongoing study and familiarity of the class being taught, along with the different students and their learning styles of the class need to be constantly assessed on a daily bases. There are students that will sit and listen but really not listen. This needs to be addressed by my instructional style. I should have 100% of my students engaged in the lecture or assignment. So self reflection is something that I continually need to work on and address.
I will get into the habit of distributing a syllabus. I think this will help me become more aware of my delivery and flow during the classroom portion of my course. Thanks.
Hi Alicia,
I use a similar method only I use 3x5 cards. The students fill them out after major assignments and projects giving me feedback on the quality of the assignment and the value they got from it. They also comment on how the course is going. This way I can keep my finger on the pulse of the class and make changes as needed.
I think many instructors use methods like this to stay on top of the class and the needs within it.
Gary
