I agree with you about selective hearing. When I think students are really not paying attention I say something like "this is really important" or "this will probably be on the next quiz". It seems to grab their attention.
This is very true. I can think back, and actually pinpoint which of my students fit into the delete, distort, or personalize categories. Luckily, 90% of my students personalize.
I teach a computer based design course, that covers 6 new (to my students) computer programs in a 10 week period. I empathize with them by letting them know that I understand learning computer programs can be like learning a new language. I explain to them I will repeat, slow down, or try to re-explain in any way possible what they do not understand. I ask them to write down specific command functions in their notes. Yet, I still get students who glaze over or don't take notes. I repeat the important fuctions twice, repeat the procedure visually on the screen, then walk around and have them try it, so I can see where they are getting stuck.
I'm having difficulty getting through to the 5-10% who "delete" their information. What else can I do?
At the moment, I am conducting a self-evaluation of current style. Through the process of peer interaction and communications, I feel that I will be able to identify my weaknesses and move forward with research and development utilizing contemporary methods of instruction.
To further develop my instructional style I need to let the students see that I am human, that I was once right where they are now. Tell them more work related stories. I also would like to develop a better rapport with the students, as I learned in the first section greeting the students when they first arrive for the days learning.
Hi Mary,
You make a good point about sharing "personal" parts of your life with students. You really don't have to since you will be sharing your professional history with them. A key to developing rapport with students is to show them that you care about their success in your course. Help them to see their future and they will respect you for your dedication to them. If you want to share something personal on a more distant level you can chat a few minutes at the beginning of class about something you did over the weekend that involved --eating out, a hobby, movie, etc. The comments may be humorous or just conversational. This lets the students see you in a human light, gets them settled into the class and ready to learn. You haven't shared anything of significance about your personal life but the students know your are a regular person. This sometimes they forget when they are students. We are all former students ourselves with the challenges of life that we have to deal with just as they.
Gary
Hi Carol,
Great professional development plan. You have hit on all of the major components needed for successful teaching. By looking for ways to offer instruction that keep the students engaged and focused you are going to continue to advance toward your goal of being an instructional delivery expert. Keep up the good work.
Gary
I can get to know my students better. While I do care about them, I'm not a very "personal" person; that is, I'm not comfortable sharing a lot of personal details about my life with those I know only casually, and I don't pretend to be interested in knowing the personal details of others' lives. If I can determine the "zone" where I am comfortable enough sharing and learning information about myself and my students, students will be more likely to take me up on my recommendations to come see me with questions during my office hours.
Most of our instruction is done through instructor demonstrations. It is the type of hands on instruction that requires us to both impart knowledge and demonstrate it at the same time. I attempt to be as prepared as possible for each demo which includes having all of the advance preparations done, sometimes even having the same items in various stages to show the students progression. I also attempt to do whatever research is necessary before hand so I can answer the students questions.
I think working with a co-teacher is a great way to both develop and refine my instructional style, for I learn a great deal by observing others teaching.
I attempt to go to as many classes and seminars as I can afford to constantly update and augment my knowledge.
I teach daily, which in many ways helps to refine my personal style.
My style is to get my students relaxed
Sharing my background and life experiences would enhance my instructional style because it will allow me to connect with my students.
Hi James,
Good plan. You have a good blend between a comfortable social setting when you have pizza and discussion plus the focus of the field. Your field is very intense and the ability to let students share what they know and their perspectives about the learning that has occurred is a good way for them to see the big picture.
Gary
Hi Derrick,
The sharing of your own life experiences is a good way to show students that they can succeed even when faced with major hurdles. Sometimes they forget that all of us are former students ourselves. By helping them to see that we have made our way through the educational system they can see a future for themselves.
Gary
Hi James,
You have a good approach to helping the development of the total student. You enable your students to gain knowledge and skills individually plus learning how to work with and among different student groups. This is very important in the work place as you well know.
Gary
Some if the techniques that I use are to ask students what their knowledge level is. This allows me to know where the students and helps me choose a plan that will be most effective for the students. I also use labs to allow student to build their skill and confidence working with different types of Operating Systems. I also use groups to encourage students to work together on projects this also helps builds repro among students as now they have a common interest of discussion.
I would like to employ more interpersonal techniques
to assist my instructional style.For example, I
would like to share life experiences with my students that have enabled me to overcome obstacles.
I really never thought about observing other instructors until now. I could see how that could allow me to see other teaching techniques that I could use to improve my teaching skills.
I try to get student involvement early in the quarter. I do this by telling that on mid term and final nights we have pizza and then discuss what they have learned inside and outside the class room. They reall seam to enjoy this time to talk about what they learned. I usually find out where some of the weekness are and can focus the rest of the class to help then learn more in those specific areas. I teach in IT so I have the students bring in tools and utilities so they can have a tool kit to take with them and use it to help them learn.
Hi Leslie,
Way to go in motivating them while creating a bridge from where they are at to where they can go. This is so important for students that are just beginning their post secondary careers. They in many cases still have a high school perspective that needs to be expanded since they are now in an educational setting that dictates their future so success is critical.
Gary
Hi Daniel,
I think we need to observe other instructors in light of our own teaching style. Then we can select those strategies that other instructors are using that enhance our own style. This will enable us to get better within our personalities and abilities. We can use the "buffet" method of observation. Meaning we can "select" those methods that we observe and will benefit our own style. This will make us better at what we do while increasing the effectiveness of our delivery.
Gary
Hi Karen,
Excellent example of alternative learning preferences. Thank you for sharing this with us. What may appear to be can in reality be something quite different, in this case an effective learner.
Gary
