One thing i strive to drive home in any class that i teach is always knowing your resources. This applies to all facets of education and life.
I agree. I think that students need good role models, mentors and managers. I think that students need good role models to model how to be professionals in the workplace and what that entails. Also instructors need to be good managers, there is a lot to one course and lab with a lot of material to cover in a short time. Good management skills are important for success- for both the student and instructor. Time management skills are essential for success.
What are some tips for good time management?
Denise
Hi Irene,
Right! There is a big difference between theory and practice in most fields. The students need to be able to use theory to be successful in practice. If they can't they are not going to be successful in their carers.
Gary
Looking and being professional. Communicating with students on what there thoughts in class are. Always have an open mind.
Developing an instructional style is such a dynamic and evolving matter. I'm always looking for new and fresh ways to present course materials. The internet is a great forum for exchanging ideas as well as professional conferences, continuing education, and discussions with other instructors. I think the trick is to find ideas that mesh with your personal style. An approach that works for one instructor may not work for you. Sometimes you need to experiment to find what works for you.
I would like to work on incorporating other methods of teaching into my everyday class experience. I am thinking mainly about the technological options that exist. I currently use the overhead projector daily, the whiteboard, handouts, and the textbook.
I also think I need to improve on how I communicate my expectations to the students, as well as how they will be assesed. At times I hand out the information on how they will be assessed for a particular exam, maybe too close to the exam date. So, I need to work on looking ahead more, and allowing the students to know what will be happening, how they will be assessed in the upcoming classes.
Ann Brown
Hi Irene,
You got that right. There is a bid difference between reading how it is done in a text and then doing it in real life. Students need to learn how to be flexible in their problem solving so they don't get caught in a situation for which they have no answer since the text didn't cover that situation.
Gary
Since ours is such a visual society, I think incorporating images, graphs, charts, diagrams or web sites is a great way to supplement a traditional lecture.
I want to have my own personal style I want students to see how real life happens. Everything is not always going to go as text book describes
Hi Jeannie,
You are right about how being prepared helps with your attitude as an instructor. There is something about bringing your A game into the classroom that really helps to build confidence that this day is going to be a great one as a result of the effort that has been expended. You can enjoy being an instructor as a result of knowing you are ready to go.
Gary
Give examples of how important following instruction can be by giving examples of what has happened when proper protcal was not followed
For me, it has been extremely valuable to talk with teachers who have been doing this longer than I have. Some of them have taught the courses I am now, so their input can be quite specific and very relevant. There are innumerable online resources, conferences, and even just examples to emulate. When I attend medical conferences where the emphasis is not so much on teaching but on the material being presented, I find myself more cognizant of the techniques they are utilizing to communicate and educate and how effectively they seem to resonate with me.
I have learned that preparation is key to my instructional style. It builds my confidence to review the chapters several times the night before a lecture. I hit the high points and the information needed to continue in the course. Sometimes, removing some of the 'fluff' in the text can help the students focus on the task at hand.
-Jeannie
To further develop, refine and enhance my instructional style I can continue to educate myself on the effective teaching plans of my fellow instructors. I can become familiar with my textbooks and the lessons I plan to teach to make sure that the teaching is effective. I plan to explore and utilize the resources available to get a better understanding of my duties and how to effectively teach stuents.
Considering that I am a new instructor, I have utilized a instructors learning site, and have found many resources that I can use to enhance my power point presentations. Since our students do have access and use the internet, I have started to find links and resources for their learning.
When mentorship is introduced early on especially to the new incoming students, they tend to adapt to the new environment more effectively. As they continue and complete their educational goals and go into the working world, the same mentality of seeking for a mentor will continue which in turn will help them adapt and transition into the new field.
Hi Susan,
You are right about each semester and each class being different. I like your method of getting student feedback during the semester so you can adjust your approach should it be needed.
Gary
Hi Sara,
Congratulations on having a professional development plan for yourself. As you say online instruction is a different animal than on-site teaching so the steps you are following are helping you to grow as an instructor and professional educator.
Gary
Reading the student comments at the end of the semester is helpful. I also like to ask the students how they think the class is going during the semester itself so that I can adjust if they are getting bored or worn out. Every semester is different and you have to be flexible.
Student feedback is useful particulary as a new instructor. I have also read several articles regarding instructional style for online courses since electing to teach an online course- with no previous experience, I found the information very helpful as online teaching is a different animal than being face to face in the classroom. Speaking with other instructors about how they present material both in classrooms and online has also been helpful.
