I've invited other teachers into my class to get their feedback. In addition to student assessments, it gives a different viewpoint of your instructional style and how you may improve it.
I think student surveys are a great way to evaluate your instructional style. Also the know knowledge you gain about the area you teach, the more knowledge you can pass on to your students,and the better instructor you become.
Hi Mark,
Good plan. All of these strategies are going to help you to expand your knowledge and expertise as an instructor. Keep looking for those ways to acquire more teaching "tools" in your toolkit.
Gary
One technique that I can employ would be to observe the style of more experienced instructors to discover how I could adapt their techniques to my style. I could also ask them to observe my approach and make recomendations.
Since I am new to the vocational school setting, I plan to try different approaches to presenting the material in order to keep getting better.
Hi Charles,
Many instructors have the same problems as you with names. The fact that you can remember each student and something about him/her is a good start. You can visit with each student about something in their lives or background while reinforcing in your mind their names. This way you will get the name burned in your mind while creating rapport with the students in the process.
Gary
I think I have great repoire with students. This comfortable relationship allows me to navigate throughout procedure without fear or regard. They tend to be receptive and open to any new ideas I have. This takes time, however, and cannot be employed without complete preparation.
I love to use narratives--either personal or fictional to make points, draw attention to data or to even inspire. I always try my best to relate the stories to something in the text or withing the class plan. I also encourage students to use their own stories as anecdotes.
Hi Renee,
Great professional development plan. By combining the different approaches to instruction and keeping the student attitude as a learner you are going to increase your expertise as an educator each time you enter the classroom.
Gary
Hi Cathy,
Good plan. I know you are going to have much success with these activities due to the carry over that you have with your excitement about the field and enthusiasm about being a teacher. All this combines to help you be effective. Keep up the good work.
Gary
I have a problem attaching names and faces. Iam prety good at spotting and remembering individual students learning issues and I can remember personal problems that they have shared with me. Even though I obviously see them as individuals, I often draw a blank as to their names.
More active teaching techniques
Dana
How do you adjust your style in class to various students and keep the other students who have a different learning style interested without losing them?
Thank you.
Linsey Smeltzer
I do the same thing. I like to look for repeat answers to certain questions. Those are the ones that I focus on improving.
I also like how you included being a mentor because when my students get out into the field, I stay in contact for guidance and assistance.
I have to say that there are several things in this course that I have already disagreed with, but regardless of that, I find that getting to know my students is one of the best ways to improve my instructional style.
Just from simple conversations in the classroom I get to know more about my students' lives and how they feel about course material which gives me a better idea of what I need to do to enhance learning.
I like trying new things every time I teach. Whether that be you-tube videos to show them certain things they will encounter in the field or newspaper/magazine articles that we can start a debate about. I think anything that gets them excited about the material for the day will keep them focused on learning it.
Great question! I am always trying to hone my skills as an instructor. There are several ways that I do this. One way, on a personal level, is I learn something new every year. Doing this, keeps me in the position of a student, so I am always accessing what techniques are effective in my own learning and what techniques do not work as effectively. I take this knowledge into my class room and I try implement teaching techniques that i have found effective and disregard techniques that haven't worked. A good way to assess this is to read the student evaluations as well to see what is work and what isn't. By implementing these two techniques, I am able to further develop, refine and enhance my instructional style as it is a lifetime endeavor.
I need to focus on more group activities. I am naturally enthusiastic and am most comfortable with lecture, interactive, and spontaneous discussions - I need to preplan activities that emphasize teamwork and student assessment/evaluation.
Thanks for the encouragement.
I take the time to get to know each student and their learning style then I adapt my class according to each style. Even if that means that I have to present the material five different ways. Everyone deserves to gain the same education and understanding of the classes being taught.
Hi Gabriela,
You have a comprehensive understanding of what it takes to be an outstanding instructor. By looking at each of the different areas of instruction you are able to adapt or modify your delivery to better meet the needs of your students.
Keep up the professional development you are undertaking. Your students are going to greatly benefit from your efforts.
Gary
