Having a mentor is a great idea.
I agree, I really work hard to learn the students names and let them know how important they are to me as individuals.
Research, research, research, in order to give them all the information needed to be successful in their field. I like to use different techniques to reduce boredom. Talk to the students and listen to their needs and learn their learning styles. Make adjustments as appropriate.
Some techniques that I can employ to further enhance my instructional style are to listen to each of my student's learning styles. Every class of students is different. Also, use other resources in my classroom, either by guest speakers or videos pertaining to the information of the class topic on that particular day.
Hi Frances,
You have a great approach to the classroom. I can tell from your comments and attitude that you are excited about your field and being an instructor. This excitement spreads as you will know. Keep up the good work. Think of the impact you are having on the lives of your students.
Gary
At the end of every session, I ask students to give me a feedback on my teaching method, then I can adjust and improve my teaching style.
Because I teach online, it is important that I know how to access information and communicate with my students via the internet. My college refers to me as a "facilitator" rather than a teacher. I need to use all of the materials available to me and to the students to insure that they get the most out of my class. Because everything is done online it is critical to be clear about expectations.
Get to know your students and let them get to know you. Students will know that you truly care about them and their learning.
I really love to learn, so I research all my material. I like to make the student a part of the learning experience, so I add them to the complete mix with questions and experiences. I try to use all the different adult learning modalities that I have learned through my years of teaching. Respect and kindness goes a loooong way!
I can subscribe to a teaching periodical and continue my own technical education through conitnued participation in training opportunities.
Gary,
I usually use a combination of 2-3 styles (lecture, powerpoint, diagrams) during instruction. I feel merging too many styles(5-6) might confuse the learners, but sticking to one style can get boring after some time . A combination turns out to be a good way to ease out the content as well as make it simple and is very helpful for most visual learners.
Hi Ann,
This is a good way to improve your instructional delivery as well as expanding your ability to meet the needs of your students. By listening you are showing your willingness to develop as a professional educator.
Gary
I encourage and listen to students' critiques pertaining to my instructional style and build on the positives.
Observe others who control the behavior of students in the classroom. This is my weakest area.
After each lesson or chapter, survey each student in hard copy or electronic form asking ... What new topic/item/thing did you learn that you never knew about before? ... or What do you like about this course so far? ... or What don't you like about this course so far?
Record my class in video or audio form to critique with my director or another colleague.
Find a reputable colleague to observe his or her class and take notes on positive events.
Have an aggressive Professional Development Plan that doesn't just cover the minimum requirements each year.
Besides reading in trade journals and taking classes to enhance my instructional style, I talk with students and consider their feedback with assignments and project work. I like to hear what they have to say about how they are learning and the methods that they use to retain information.
I love this idea of a mentor mixup. We have a new group of students that start at our school every eight weeks. Being a new student at a new school can be tough no matter what age you are. I think the mentor idea would help out greatly at our school. It will help the students with easing some of the jitters they feel in the beginning as well as give them a sense of security knowing that someone is there to help them through this tough program.
It will especially help to have a menotoring system in place for our students that are interning. This can be a very challenging and scary part of the program because the students are reaching the point of graduation. It would help them out greatly to have someone to coach them along during this process. It also will aid those students in developing relationships that will last throughout their careers.
Hi Tiffany,
This is a good way to involved other students and help those students that need some assistance. The peer peer tutoring can be a real help to those students that are afraid to ask for help from the instructor, even though the instructor has offered to help.
Gary
We also have student mentors. I ask for student "tutors" for math. Sometimes the students feel more comfortable talking to others.
It helps a lot!
I can be more animated in the classroom. Students enjoy lots of energy.
