To develop : I have had other instructors observe my class while I was doing hands on demonstration /they gave me helpful feed back . To refine : I read books on teaching methods that were recommended by more experienced instructors
To enhance : I first remember that the majority of my students learning styles are different than my own (I was taught in mainly a lecture format and my students are more visual and prefer hands on). So I try to bring in items to my classroom that reflect the lessons or skills we will cover in class. They love to see actual examples including some of my own creations and those of local designers. I feel that it lets students see how we worked toward our goals and that with hard work they can too.
the way i like to enhance my style is to incorporate some fun tidbits (or examples) from my work experience and this will also make it fun and loosen up the students
Sharing your experience in the field is very valuable to students, and it gives you much more credibility. I am fortunate to have worked as a computer programmer in the past, and I currently teach Interpersonal Relations and psychology classes. When students in a technical field believe they won't need communication skills in their field, I can give them examples from my years as a programmer to show that you will need those skills in any field, to some degree.
I don't know if this would be a way to enhance my instructional style, but I notice when I use humor during lectures it almost motivates my students but also encourages them engage in the subject being discussed. I also don't like using the term "lecture" I think when students see that word they automatically get bored. I prefer using the term "discussion" where all students can engage rather than me giving them information.
I am not professionally trained as an instructor. I think to develop, refine, and enhance my instruction style there are several things I can do:
1) Tape myself teaching to understand and refine the approach I currently use
2) Observe other instructors in the classroom and note what I like and do not like about their approaches
3) Get more training in instructional techniques/teaching theory
1. Know the college better and understand the goals of the college.
2. Know my students better and understand what style works best for them and what learning styles they enjoy based on their personalities.
3. Know myslef... what I feel more comfortable with and what my personal style is.
I am more of a lecture style of instructor. I am working at being a better demonstrator and hands on instructor. Luckily I am team teaching with another faculty member who has a strength with hands on instruction. So this has been very helpful to me and my students.
I also use an instructional style whereas I am able to share many vocational experiences and relate them to what is being taught.
By making the students participate, and use some visual aids.
Teaching for me is a passion that can't be taught. I try to encourage my students to find that passion within themselves to help motivate their own goals because it is so much more rewarding.
I have taken additional education courses through two different universities as well as subscribing to various professional journals. It is also helpful to attend the in services offered by the school and other trainings that are offered.
I'm a fairly new instructor so I've joined several associations that deals with education and IT since that is my background. I normally take professional development courses through the associations and I take courses at my local community college as well not only for personal enjoyment but to get a feel of other instructor's teaching styles as well. I teach IT courses online so I'm still learning how to implement different forms of technology to make the class more interesting.
I always enjoy additional training. I do not think that we are ever done learning and can always make improvements. I listen to the feedback I get from my students to see if they are finding the course useful. I also talk with other instructors to see what techniques work for them.
I am brand new to the classroom so I am certain that there is ALOT that can be done to develop and refine my instructional style! One thing in particular is I would like to learn more about creating case studies that can be given to my students.
I think that observing a successful instructor is a good way to improve my own instruction. This works much better than having a teacher describe to me what they do in the classroom; I need to see it. Also, by observing multiple instructors, and seeing multiple styles working in the classroom, I can see what similarities I have that I can use.
When I have run into issues that I was not able to resolve quickly, I have done an internet search, and found lots of useful information, including research studies on the topic and what was found to be helpful in that situation. Once I read the research, the lightbulb went on, and it was easy to recognize how I contributed to the situation and how to avoid having it happen again in the future.
Hi Kristine, I couldn't agree with you more with respect to online teaching being a constant state of refinement :-) I am always making note of what assignments seem to be the most problematic for learners. As you stated an assignment can never be too clear! :-) Again, I couldn't agree with you more. I find creating tips to completing the assignments, providing examples that may assist in completing the assignment, etc. can be very helpful. Flexibility is good but as you know it is up to a point. One of the items taught in this module was know your college/university. So not only how the university wants things taught but their policies and procedures. Some universities don't want that "correspondence" school type of environment, rather it wants the courses completed in a timely manner with late work penalized. My goodness some don't accept late work at all unless it is a real emergency. In the end anything that can happen will happen when one is going back to school so I just try to help learners be good time managers, reminding them of due dates, that school is not something that is done after work, play, family, social activities, but rather it is something right within that list that needs to be fit in. :-) Kathleen Henry
Hi Amy, I teach online and I find that it can be a challenge to get the type of participation needed on discussion boards. As you stated, these discussions are really an adjunct to the course because a lot of learning can take place on those boards. I attempt to encourage and solicit more information from learners other than the "here is what the textbook states" and ask for how it impacted them, or if they've every experienced it, etc. It is something that I am always working at and which probably consumers the greatest amount of time, but well worth it :-) Kathleen Henry
I found myself nodding as I read the materials for Instructor Roles and Competencies. I teach online and the challenge is to move beyond just an asynchronous environment so technology is primary to my instructional success. Real time type of technology allows me to be the cheerleader, the motivator as well as the expert; however, in some technology forums it also allows the learner to step into the role of practitioner and share experiences. So there are live interactive chat sessions that allow slide presentations, dialogue, and other real time learning opportunities. Therefore, I would have to say that learning the many uses of technology, understanding my university's own style of online learning and melding it all together is a way in which to enhance my own instructional style. Dr.Kathleen Henry
Hey Erik!
Enjoyed reading your reply to instructional style.
I too, employ lots of visuals on screen with supportive instructional handouts.
I have been told that I go too fast through on-screen program exercises. I try to slow myself down (at least I think so) to give students enough time to complete that portion before moving on.
It is always a dilemma when teaching a software program as some students are ahead and may be bored in waiting for further instruction and others are struggling to catch up. I usually go over certain parts of work more than once for this reason or walk around and help individuals.
I do agree delivery is important and addressing the application of what is being taught to the outside workplace should be constant when applicable.
Sometimes I think I talk too much and I am working on directing more of my lectures to include additional student input.
After 6 years of teaching online, I'm still in a constant process of refinement, whether it be my assignments or classroom management style.
Each quarter I look at the writing assignments and think about the most common shortcomings in the students' papers. (I teach technical communications and business communications.) Then I modify the assignments to try to head off the shortcomings before they can happen. An assignment can never be too clear!
Regarding classroom management, I often struggle with how flexible I should be with students who are experiencing difficult circumstances. As a manager, I want to be fair to all of the students, but also understand that life happens, and sometimes a student needs some flexibility. Any advice on this would be appreciated!
to know my strengths and weaknesses
