Hi Sharon,
Welcome to the teaching profession. You are going to have a wonderful career working with students. As a new instructor you are right on target in your statement about the need to do some reflective thinking and deciding on the persona you are going to bring to the class.
Gary
Hi Anthony,
This is a good point to be made for instructors. Many students don't have anyone to help them through the maze of higher education so they are in need of a mentor to help them. Life events can interfere with their studies and career success. Showing how to work around these situations is where the mentor role comes into play.
Gary
It's great to use multiple modes of instruction especially with students who are part of this current multimedia generation. I just try to make sure that the videos are short that I incorprote media literacy and critical evaluation of the visual text as part of the use of the video. How about you?
Yes, students enjoy that because it shows them a real world connection to what you're talking about and because it builds rapport between you and them. It's often tough sometimes to know the right boundaries about personal examples sometimes, though. I always ask myself, would I share this story in a professional meeting? If so, then I use it.
I can think back on the instructors I have had in the past and list out pros and cons of their particular teaching styles. I need to know my own college so that my style reflects the mission and I need to know my students so that the manner in which I teach meets their learning needs. I can get to know other instructors who teach in my subject area and observe their classes. And lastly, I need to know myself; use my strengths and continually improve on my weaknesses.
As a first time instructor I believe it is important for me to discover and develop what my style of instruction is. I think the idea of reflecting on where I am and where I want to be is an important one.
My students say they really like it when I share "personal" examples and stories that relate to the topic/subject.
I always use the class evaluation and student's instructor evaluation to find out where i can make improvements in my teaching style, classroom management and enhance the student's experience in my classroom.
More personal touches with the students.
I begin to think that I would like to have a mentor systematic style for instuction. Many students face many problem's while attending school. Some of which are single parents, full time working students, or exchange student whom need time to adapt to our environment. As a mentor its good to guide students on a higher path to success. Anthony W.
I am trying to use videos to expain hard concepts. I find them interesting, and the students say they really like them too
I find that my students want to hear more about my professional experience. As I'm teaching, I bring examples of the work I'm doing to show how it relates to the materials they are studying. I also look for other examples from businesses in our community to establish linkages to their learning, and future work experiences they might enjoy.
Hi Craig,
There are a number of sites geared to the secondary level and public 2-4 year colleges. I read these and then translate their information into my own setting for the private career college sector. Good teaching and course improvement is the same where ever you teach. With a little searching you will a host of sites that will be of help to you.
Gary
Hi Renee,
Your efforts in promoting your own professional development are to be commended. The more you grow the greater your expertise will be and this will result in more effective and efficient learning by your students.
Gary
Hi Tamar,
Thank you for sharing your experience. Both examples are good ones. The using of a mentor is great for new teachers so they can get focused on planning their teaching and can bounce ideas off of his/her mentor. This way the mentor can help a new instructor avoid some of the most commonly made new teacher mistakes.
Gary
In addition to the student evaluations at the end of the course, I use a form that requests contemporaneous feedback on all individual assignments as well as team projects.
In addition, I request feedback at the end of each class as to what could be improved. I also have the students critique the overall course on the last day of class.
Question: Are there any websites, blogs, etc. that document recent articles on this topic?
Dr. Meers,
I am a strong believer in education; the more I have the more effective I am as a teacher. It is important to take advantage of classes such as this one to help me become a better classroom facilitator. I find that what I learn I apply directly to the classroom.
I also make use of the class evaluations asking students to be detailed in their comments about the effectiveness of the reading materials, the syllabus, and even my facilitation style.
Renee Bipes
The two most beneficial sources of input I have received were from my students and from my mentor. My mentor gave me some wonderful advice about class room space management that has helped me greatly as I have taught.
My current classes have given me some great advice about the type of school I am currently teaching at. It's different than what I am used to, and my students have helped me to understand their culture and the type of expectations I can have with them. They have helped me to meld my old curriculum with my new environment.
With my instructional style I am actively engaged with the students. I find that my personality plays a big role in my teaching style. I also enjoy learning new tools and techniques that I enjoy sharing with staff and students in thier further use of technology.
Hi Melanie,
What a great compliment to and about your professionalism.
Gary
