as an instructor i move around the class room with high energy. i try to taech to all learning styles.if that means changing my teaching style to fit the students needs that is what i try to do.every class is different so different questions have to be asked.to refine and enhance my style of taeching i would say to try different questioning techniques.
Hi Mary,
Good strategies all for improving your instructional skills. This is something all of educators need to do throughout our professional careers. By doing this our teaching skills will continue to improve. Keep up the good work.
Gary
Courses such as this one help in refining and enhancing instructional style. Because we are fast-paced, my style includes some lecture with hands-on exercises, computer software training, and demonstrations with exercises completed by students. Encouraging slower, usually older students can be frustrating. Very early in the course slower students are asked to come during tutoring when the atmosphere is more relaxed and we can work one on one. Many times I pick up ideas from other instructors and on-line training courses.
I think planning my lectures better to ensure more student participation and engagement would definetely enhance my instructional style.
Hi Mirwais,
You make a number of very good points about being an instructor but one that stands out is your statement about striving for continued improvement in your abilities as an instructor. All of us as educators need to have an ongoing personal development plan that will help us to grow.
Gary
I think the "Know your Subject" comes into play, we too often rely on our past experience to apply to new technologies and subjects – get out there and do it! It gives us better insight into the questions students may have, more topics to discuss with the class and it also gives us more “Street Credit”
This module was very interesting. After completing this module I realized, that even without realizing it, we perform all of the roles and tasks discussed.
As an instructor, I will continue to improve my instructional style by observing other instructors and implementing their successful techniques, as well as modeling professionalism and encouraging my students to improve themselves too.
My instructional style employs many of the methods included in this module. I have always believed that part of my role as an instructor is to make sure my students are not only proficient in their coursework, but also improve themselves as individuals.
I was fortunate to have a mentor who did this for me, and as a result I make sure to do the same for my students.
As an instructor, I make sure to pay attention to the details. I try to keep in mind that my students are adults, with lives beyond school. This means encouraging my students to challenge themselves and being a positive resource and model. In this way, my students and I learn from each other.
This for me begins the moment I arrive on campus. I pay close attention to always present a professional demeanor. This includes being mindful of my non-verbal cues.
Additionally, as an instructor, and an allied health professional, I see my fellow instructors as team members and resources of "best practices." I am mindful that I can learn from those who are more experienced.
My instructional style is very dynamic. After completing this module, I found the content reinforced my current instructional techniques.
I take the time to not only observe "best practices" other instructors employ, but also acknowledge that my students themselves can teach me a lot.
I am always trying to improve my class, not only the content and delivery, but also the physical environment. I am a true believer that part of motivating my students is to provide them an overall learning experience they can be proud of.
By doing this, I find my students become more willing to excel and exceed the challenges set before them.
I also set challenges for myself. I firmly believe that the moment you say you know it all is when you truly know nothing at all.
We must always further our own education, this can then motivate our students to do the same.
As a result, I enjoy participating in courses such as this to enhance my own knowledge.
Hi Calixto,
You are on the right path of professional development. By observing successful delivery techniques and student reactions you will quickly learn what to build on and what to drop out. Don't be afraid to try new things in your courses. Also, talk with and observe other instructors when you can. You will learn much from them. Keep an open eye and open mind about how you can improve your teaching skills.
Gary
Hi Ted,
Variety is good for both instructors and students. As an instructor you know that if you don't add some things to your course and try different delivery methods you can become bored. By changing the activities you use or delivery it gets you excited and you will find that the students get charged up as well.
Gary
Hi Terri,
You have a real challenge here. The key will be how you break down the 6 chapters into bite size chunks of content that the students can learn. Otherwise class time is going to seem like a blur to the students.
Gary
Hi Michael,
Experience is a key to professional development. A master teacher is one that is always looking for ways to improve delivery and seeking find the most relevant and current content for the courses.
Gary
I've only been teaching a short while, so I'm still working on developing my own instructional style. I try to pay attention to my students' reactions to different delivery styles. I notice that sometimes they seem more interested and enthusiastic than others, and I try to build on that. If you teach a small class as I do, I think you can learn a lot by just observing as you instruct.
I think I need to work on changing teaching tactics to fit the class and to keep them engaged. Although we impliment a number of the technics outlined in this course there is always a danger of becoming bored with material.
Part of the difficulty is the class I am teaching has a very limited time constraint, but covers a large volume of material (1 1/2 hours to cover 6 chapters).
I think it takes years to develop an instructional style,but it makes the difference between a boring class and a memorable one.
Hi Beverly,
An ice breaker is a very good way of letting the students get settled into the class and get to know the other students as well as yourself.
Gary
Hi Beverly,
Yes, passion is a critical for an instructor. The passion needs to be for the students and their success as well as passion for the field. This will help to create excitement for sharing the knowledge about the field with your students.
Gary
