watching other instructors and how they teach can help me figure out how to refine my teaching styles
As part of developing my instructional style, I like to review feedback from my students. While I may think I am doing well, if students perceive me as unapproachable, not responding in timely manner, or deficient in any particular area, I take action. Not only do I made adjustments in my approach to teaching, I also communicate in my classes, usually at the next term Introduction, that my goal is to help them succeed in the course and that I am available to help them be successful and encourage open communication as well as suggestions. I think this is an important aspect of my instructional style development because each group of students contributes its own collective personality and I would rather they express concerns for me to address promptly and enhance their learning, as well as my own.
Another technique I use to develop my instructional style is to review material on instructional approaches and strategies in general as well as for specific topics. If I can learn a different approach to teaching the same required material, I will try it and either change or combine approaches based on student performance. Ultimately, it is not about how I want to teach, but rather how I can best facilitate my students’ attainment of the knowledge and objectives of the course.
--Gabriela Candido
I plan to research information regarding instructional techiques in order to advance my knowledge and instructional skills.
I also agree. They'll get a sense of neglect which we all know is not productive at all. They stop caring about the class and lose respect for us.
Imelda
I usually have students write about the problems they have with writing. Also, I gather the problem areas they have from their writings and put a bit more focus on them.
I also remember which techniques receive a good response, such as group activities or activities that involve class participation.
Hi J Collier,
By asking for feedback from your students and then integrating that feedback into your instructional planning you are showing your dedication to quality instruction. I commend you for your willingness to constantly strive for expanded learning opportunities for your students.
Gary
Hi Linsey,
I have doing the card feedback method for many years in my classes as well. The feedback I get enables me to make course adjustments as needed rather than waiting until the end of the course to do an evaluation. I know this strategy will be of great help to other instructors so thanks for sharing it with us.
Gary
I always ask for feedback in the last class asking what I could have done to better help the learning process. It has proven to be a very successful approach. I listen intently to all of the positive feedback and analyze to see if there would be a better approach or if the student had an issue that needed to be addressed.
I hand out 3x5 cards to my students about half way through the course. I ask them to give the course a number from 1 to 10 on how satisfied they are with it, ask them to provide feedback on positive things they like about the class, and provide feedback on things they would like to see either improved or used in the class. This provides me with an idea of how well my instructional style is working, the positive things about my style, and those things I may need to take a look at eliminating or improving.
Hi Steven,
Think of some ways you can "soften" your demeanor and create a connection with your students. Do some icebreakers where there is a lot of discussion and interaction with the students. I think you will start to see how your personality will start to shine through and you won't be that drill instructor as much. You don't have to drop this persona completely just work on softening it and you will do fine.
Gary
Hi Barbara,
Great last line. This summarizes what teaching is all about. We are leaving a legacy we can only hope it is a legacy of value.
Gary
Hi Holly,
This is a great way to adjust a course while in session. This way you are customizing the course to that specific group of students rather than the next group. As you say our evaluations occur after the course is completed and before we have met the next group so it is difficult to make sure we are reading the students during the time we have them.
I will be interested in your results after you have tried this method next time.
Gary
Hi Antoinette,
Way to go and way to grow. You are teaching an exact area that requires specific sequences. By introducing some discussion and brainstorming you are opening up the students' opportunity to contribute to the class and personalize the content they have acquired.
Gary
I like to hear from my collegues different techniques and what worked or didn't work and implement the different approach and receive feedback from my students.
Mr Beltz: First, let me thank you for your service. Were you a drill instructor? Regardless, there are a great many GREAT people that hate being TOLD what to do. Many of the same people need being told what to do. Mostly this is due to lack of experience and education. That being said there are so many strategies in this training that give us ways of "telling" such that the student does not feel disrespected. Your organizational skills from the military will adapt very well to your preparation such as lesson plans, handouts, presentation timing and all of the skills you are learning about to be a dynamic, interesting, and believable instructor. This is truly an enjoyable occupation.
I come from a military background. How do I avoid coming off like a drill Instructor?
I also like the idea of the mentors being "veteran" students as opposed to the instructors fulfilling that role. I agree with the idea of mentorship, but it can be a direct lead into the ethical dilemma of the instructor becoming too much of a "pal" for the student. By having students mentor other students, this eliminates the potential for instructors to get pulled into some students' personal drama.
Familiarizing yourself with technical equipment(ex. power point, overheads, muscle modeling clay etc.)that can be used in the classroom to help the various types of learners. (ex. visual, tactile, auditory etc.) Taking continuing education courses keeps you inspired & enthusiastic about the process of learning. Observing other instructors in the classroom environment offers a wealth of growth opportunities. Video taping yourself teaching would also be a tool to more objectively observe yourself interacting in the classroom & delivering your lecture.
Relevancy is extremely important in the my classroom. When the student knows that they are learning something that will help them in field, they become much more motivated to work with the new concept and they stay motivated to learn more.
I think that the best way for me to enhance my instructional style is to dig into the history of my own learning experiences and what I liked and didn't like about them. Then I can try out what I liked in the classroom to see what works best for me and my students. I am also interested in learning more about student-centered learning, so reading books and talking to colleagues would also help me to improve as an instructor.
