Developing yourself as an instructor
I have been at this (teaching) since 1988. It is difficult to say that one can or will become the perfect teacher. All one can do is progress at their pace and do what is necessary to introduce the concepts, ideas and material. With reflection, a teacher can see what they are doing wrong or right and build on that, then move forward with your insights on teaching. In time a teacher will find out what they are doing is productive and will help the students. Even after all this time, I haven't perfected my style of teaching, and even I learn from my students every term what I can and can't do in the classroom. To all new teachers- and even old vets like me- take time to develop your craft and carpe diem.
Like Jan Serrano, I am fairly new into the teaching world after working in the field for 10+ years.
I now have a few classes under my belt, but it has taken time to figure out how to present the information to the students so they can understand the material better. The one thing I have experienced though, is to refer them back to either a previous class or to a real life situation. It seems to help out a lot. Another thing that might help out, depending on what you are teaching, is use news stories of the day that relates with your topic.
Starting off was a challenge for me, as I am sure it is for everyone. I had to add some material to the course that the school did not present previously. I did so because the students are going to be required to know the information out in the field.
The good thing about the school I work at is we get feedback from the students and that has helped with transforming my class objective and if I am reaching the students or not.
Hope that helps.
Use your enthusiasm for the field to guide you along. Teachers are teachers because they love what they do. We will never become rich unless we win the lottery. You are starting off right in loving what you do. This will guide you and give you the insights necessary to teach your subject. If need be, do more research on your subject when necessary to inform your students with as much as possible. Congratulations on your hire and good luck with this endeavor.
Gilbert,
I have just been hired for my first teaching position. I have to be honest, I do not know what my instructional style is. I do know my weaknesses but I love my profession and am very excited to show others the skills they will need to be successful. I am sure that I will also learn from my students and gain insight in how to improve my teaching abilities.
Hi Gilbert,
Thank you for the insight on how you have developed as a professional. This is a good plan for any of us to follow. Through this type of improvement we also get more enjoyment from our teaching since we get better at what we are doing while reaching students more effectively.
Gary
At the beginning of my teaching career there were many limitations on what I could do on my own with regards to delivering the material. With trial and error, even teachers learn through this concept, I did begin to figure out what I had to do to get the ideas to the students. As the years went by one does improve on their limitations for more than one improves on their good points. Good points are good to have but are things that may limit one on getting better. A teacher may rely on these too much and get into a comfrot zone and forget about the limitations which can help one to become a better teacher. So, to answer your question I have improved on my limitations.
Hi Jim,
Very interesting question that made me pause and reflect on just where did my improvement occur most. I think it would be on my limitations since I concentrated on getting better in them, but as I was doing that my good points improved as well because I got better at what I was good at. If that makes sense to you? Example-- If you are a good lecturer you can get better at it by focusing on the small details that build together to make better lecture. In the meantime if you are pacing all over the room at a frantic pace you are not keeping your students engaged so you have to fix the limitation in order to maximize the good point.
Gary
As you have had many years of Personal Development Plans, have you found that you improved on your 'good' points more than you have improved on your 'limitations'?
Hi Gilbert,
Great advice based upon many years and many students. Your last sentence says it all. We must seize the day!
Gary
