Being able to adapt as a new instructor.
I will be taking over the evening class from a very well liked instructor. So I'm trying to get some pointers of how to transition my students from one way of teaching to mine.
Hi Krista,
The idea you shared is a good way to get them started. It helps them to see relevancy and application of the course content.
As you are working through all of the course content try to break out the the essential content and develop it into delivery format. Then look for the additional content and add that in as you can. With the personal interest approach and the essential information your students will get a global view of your course. If time permits you can have them do special projects in relation to their interests in certain topics in the course.
If you have any specific questions about selecting course content let me know and I will be glad to talk with you.
Gary
I am a new instructor and am somewhat overwhelmed by the amount of information that is required for certain courses. I think "how did I remember all of this when I was taking this course"? I am trying to wade through all of the material and find the most pertinent facts to bring to the students. I think that I may have some self-exploration tasks so that they can focus on something in the course that interests them, this will keep them motivated and let them seek out the knowledge that I may not have the time to impart.
I can really relate to your statements! I am a new instructor as well. I had an amazing experience as a student in my field and would love to employ some of the techniques my instructors used, but there is not enough time in the course to allow it. I don't want to make the students feel exceptionally rushed, as the field I teach requires quiet focus and calmness - I'd like to teach in a way that reflects that. What I have done, is use my passion for the subject to help motivate students to try some of the techniques on their own, as homework or not, then either discuss their experiences in class or have them write a short reflective paragraph.
Hi, I think it is important for you to be yourself and be confident inside the classroom. Allow the students to explore your personality and teaching styles. Also, try to make them feel comfortable and attempt to understand the students learning styles. I think combining your natural teaching styles with their learning styles will help to build good instructor-student relationships. Sometimes it takes a while for students to warm up to new instructors. Get to know your students strengths and weaknesses and show that you really care about them. You will be fine. Best Wishes.
Hi Pamela,
As a caring instructor you do what you can do and that is all that you can do. Even with limited time you can still show the passion you have for the field and that will continue to motivate your students to succeed.
Gary
I to am a first time instructor, I am finding it difficult to limit the amount of information and resources I make available. I want to teach them everything, but sadly, there is not enough time in the day. I want them to see the passion I have for my profession and I hope that this will be contagious to them.
Hi Stephen,
Stepping into a class following a well liked and respected instructor is tough but you can do well by being yourself and not trying to be that instructor. Your personality and instructional style is what will help you to succeed. You are doing the right thing by doing a self inventory of what it is that you are bringing to the classroom. Once you have finished doing that you will start to see how you can be successful with these students and they will see you as the viable and well prepared instructor of the class rather than a substitute teacher. Of course you are not a substitute teacher but the students often times see instructors that replace other instructors as being such and you have to work to make sure they see you as the "instructor in charge".
Gary
Im also going to be a new instructor in a class were another instructor is very well liked and has been teaching for along time. Im trying to learn to be my own person and do things my own way as I might bring something to the class he does not.
