Hi Jack,
I commend you on your effort to stay current in your field. This is always a challenge when we get so busy with teaching that we don't have time to talk to those in the industry.
What are the methods you have found most helpful to help you stay current?
Gary
I use every bit of information that I can find to keep up dated on the newest products in the market place. My students enjoy knowing about what is in the field and what is coming to our ever changing field.
i agree with what your saying the passion for teaching should be there first and foremost. I love teaching it gives me a sense of accomplishment that i can not get from large bonuses or large pay increases.
Hi Ronald,
Good advice for other instructors. Sounds like you really enjoy teaching. Keep up the good work. I know your students are benefiting.
Gary
I kind of get students to loosing up and relax and then I make them under stand what I expect from them and ask them what they expect from me and once I'am done there then I make class fun and intresting for the students. I ask them what I could do to make learning easy for them so I get feed back and we explore different ways as a group so every student has fun and under stand. I'am a great out going person so I kind of do little acting in class and make them laugh and keeps every one awake and they enjoy the class. I have instructors sometimes ask me hoe and why do I get students to like me . and I replie have fun there kids and I remember when I was a kid and how I would like to be tought. Just have fun with them. Thanks and I hope this was a little help.
Hi Keith,
Good strategy. We can always learn something if we are willing to sit back and observe what is going on around us. By observing another instructor's class you get to see a variety of techniques and methods being used. This way you can refine your own teaching style.
Gary
Hey Keith,
Absolutely true! I have gained so much observing other instructors methods and then applying an adapted version to match my own style.
Flavio
MMI Orlando
Hi James,
"Too distant is not what I would favor. I like to get involved with them, but not as a friend, as a confident in their learning chalenges."
Flavio
MMI Orlando
A technique that works for me is to try to involve the class in discussions,and at the end of class I ask the class to tell me what they learned from that session.
I find that if I sit in on another instructors class I can analize his or her finer methods and use them to guage and refine my own.
Video tape one of your pesentations, then view it to see what can be inmproved.
Hi Barbara,
Sometimes it is hard for people to realize that even though we may be very well trained in our field we need to expand our expertise in to other areas as well, in this case teaching. You are on the right track with your professional development plan. Look for little ways you can gain additional insight on how to be a better instructor. Sit in on some classes and observe other instructors. You will be amazed at the "best practices" you can pick up from these individuals. This will help you to develop your own teaching style as well.
Look for ways you can expand your "teaching strategies" to engage students when they start to fade on you. This bag of tricks will help you get through the tough times in the classroom. By "bag of tricks" I am talking about group activities, case studies and problem solving games. These will help the students to apply what you have just covered.
Good luck with your new career.
Gary
I think a professional development plan would be good. I know the school has one, but it is not very rigorus. I may investigate the magazine you mentioned. I also want to set aside a designated time each week for this purpose. It is very hard to find time in a busy day for professional development, but it is an important area. I always remind people- I am trained as a doctor, not as a teacher. I need time and resources to develop as a teacher.
I need to use the friend technique. I donot interact on a friend type basis. I keep a little too distant from my students.
Hi Iris,
Loved reading about your personal experience as a new teacher. We all have been there. You are right about the confidence point. If you conduct yourself as a professional, are prepared and give the students an opportunity to relax a bit and get settled in the first class meeting will go well.
I wish you much success in your teaching.
Gary
I find that I benefit from sitting in other instructor's classes, seeing different styles and techniques.
This give me ideas on different delivery options to keep a class interesting.
DBack
Exton Campus
I often speak and share with my colleagues to get different perspectives and sometimes we brainstorm ideas on new activities to try. This keeps my classes fresh and interesting.
Hi,
I started teaching at the college level when I was 25. I still remember the first day clearly--I was scared to death and kept my face to the board writing the course name and some information for the first day of class. I then looked at the clock above me, took a deep breath, and turned around. It was intimidating to see students sitting everywhere around you, waiting for you to speak! Anyway, I did a class icebreaker and that helped not only the students but it also helped me as well. I realized that most of the students give you the role as the authority and if you at least pretend to have confidence, everything will be alright. I tell the students teachers are human too and we make mistakes as well:-)
To learn more about the particular field I'm teaching to help develop my technical skills.
Hi Kenneth,
I commend you for developing your own method of refining your presentation skills. Family has to be one of the toughest audiences you can face. Win them over and your students will be a piece of cake.
Also, the canoeing skills course is a great idea for development. You have an audience that is already interested in the topic and you get to use different deliveries with them so you know how your students will react when you use these same techniques in the classroom/lab.
I wish you the best in your teaching career.
Gary
