Expanding Your Instructional Abilities
What are some ways you can expand your instructional abilities?
Is instructional ability the same as instructional capability? If not, can you comment on the difference and their importance?
This is a question with almost no wrong answer. The business adage that you are either expanding or contracting is applicable here as well. If you are not growing each semester as an instructor, it's time for some self evaluation.
The opportunity to refine and develop you instructional abilities are plentiful. First, the experience of in classroom interaction with students is irreplaceable as a learning opportunity. Secondly, there are most likely other seasoned instructors in your field that can serve as invaluable resources for growing your instructional tool kit. Thirdly, most colleges offer In-Service and continuing education opportunity for further instruction. Lastly, there's great books and websites out there with an abundance of information on expanding your instructional abilities.
To expand my instructional abilities I can discuss with colleagues to find best practices they have used in their classrooms. Another way to expand my instructional abilities is through career development where further learning my encompass me with the abilities to be a better instructor.
In reading through many responses, I noticed that there were many people who addressed in-class strategies; all of them sounded useful. As for my out-of-class work, I have used other technologies to enhance my in-class presentations, like prezi, glogster and jing; I use podcasts for the skills my students must perform.
Within my class I try to use a variety of instructional methods. One of the methods that I have found helpful is I have a list of three to four class questions that are given to the students at the beginning of class, then by the end of class if they were paying attention, they should be able to answer the questions. Often this helps them stay engaged in the class. I also stop several times during the lecture to have a "hands on activity." I think this breaks up the power point lecture and gets students engaged. Like we learned in this module, I think it is important to try different methods in order to keep students engaged and not knowing what to expect all the time.
In expanding my instructional abilities, I like to get a sense of how the students are engaged in the first class setting then listen for the feedback, if any from the student while lecturing. If I see some disconnect, I will either research or ask a colleague for advice on instruction styles. I also, like to watch other instructors teach a course to see what it is they are doing in the classroom to see if it works or not.
Lydia J.
As a brand new instructor, I do feel comfortable with my knowledge base and technical skills. Certainly much effort will be put into being sure to refresh and build on that knowledge so that I can be sure to be able to be accurate and able to answer questions and assist students needs. I look forward to the first day of each class, and do want to spend time having each student tell us a bit about themselves, their decision to pursue this career, their expectations from the course, etc... so that I can get an initial feel for each students personality, interest level, and confidence in their ability to be successful in their chosen field.
I am much more lab oriented as well. I have also observed other instructors in lecture. I am now focusing on continuing education courses that can help improve my lecture techniques.
Valerie,
Great way to continue your professional development while expanding your expertise.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I can expand my instructional abilities by attending classes such as this one, by watching my fellow instructors, and with feedback from my students.
Gain new methods through observing your peers.
GEORGE,
This is a great way to create a connection with each student as well as know how you can provide support when needed as each student progresses through the course. Thank you for sharing this strategy with us in this forum.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I teach in the technical applied skills area. One of the the things I constantly try to do is learn about students' backgrounds, hobbies or interests. Once I know the students' interests I can form examples of what I teach and show similarities between what they are learning and how the skills they already possess can be applied to their current training. This usually engages the student in the conversation and helps maintain their enthusiasm and seems to open up the floor for other students to share what they know and how it can be applied to their current training.
Lashunkeita,
Since this approach is working for the majority of your students I think you might want to continue it if you are pleased with the results. For those that don't get into I would talk with them and try to determine why. They can give you insight as to why they are don't want to be a part of this activity. Something I do to get input and questions from every student is to give each student a 3X5 card and have them write down 2 questions want to get answers to. I have found this to work very well because then I can call on the students that don't want to participate knowing they have two questions written down and they can read to the class. After we are done with our session I have them put their names on the cards and hand them in. I quickly look through the cards to see if I am missing and key points in the question time. By putting their names on the cards there is a level of accountability on the part of the students, though I do not score them or anything. I just throw the cards away.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I have been trying this Q&A session with my students the first 15 minutes of class for most of my students it is great, but a couple just do not get it. Should I stop this?
I find the online training database (VTC) that my company provides to be useful to keep current on the latest in software. Now Microsoft also has Virtual University which is extremely helpful in sharpening knowledge and in turn increasing Instructional skill.
Sarah,
Like your approach to professional improvement and getting to know your students early on in the course. Keep up the great work.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I wholeheartedly agree in regards to listening to the students.
I teach a communication course and I begin with Elevator Speeches. Through this exercise I learn so much about my students. I learn three very important things which guide my teaching for the term: (1) Why they are passionate about their field (2) What they want for the future and (3) How comfortable they are with public speaking.
I also like to watch other instructors teach. Some of my biggest lightbulb moments have come from observing another educator in (or even outside of) the classroom.
I think the theme is that it is very important to take time to listen because there is so much to learn and always a way to improve or deepen instruction.
Ellen,
Sounds like you have a great start on your teaching career. You have made excellent progress thus far in adapting your instructional efforts to meet the needs of your students. The only thing I would add to your "bag of tricks" in terms of engaging your students is to do role play of interactions with patients and providing treatment and case studies. Both of these can be used very easily with in a clinical experience and students really like the opportunity to work through cases and role plays.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
