My Instructional Style - It has had positive feedback so far!
I am brand new when it comes to being an adjunct instructor but I consistently have gotten compliments from my students.
My theory about teaching is molded from many different personal experience.
1) I attended an online college for my Bachelors
2) I am self taught in the subject I am teaching
3) I always went to school full-time while working full-time
I think the above three variables make me very unique in my teaching style because I have seen everything from the students perspective. As I said, I attended an online college so I understand the required course load and I can sympathize with them about being stressed for time. I feel that being self taught helps because I have a true passion for the subject and I think that comes through in my lectures. Students have complimented me mainly because I will explain a subject in the text terms, and then I simplify and repeat it to them in a much less confusing way. This is nice because it basically repeats everything twice, but i don't think it is redundant as it reinforces the main points. I feel that my third unique characteristic helps because I realize what organization is required in order to be successful as a student.
In my experience, explaining everything twice and ensuring that the students "get it" is key. I take the time to always remind students I am open if they have questions and it seems like thus far they have appreciated my teaching style.
-Ron Stefanski MBA
As an instructor, I place the student, never the material, at the center of my instructional model. I try not to “teach†in the traditional sense of the word, but facilitate learning, which I believe is a process that begins and ends with the student.
I am a strong believer in the student-centered instructional model. The importance that I place on substantive critical feedback, especially within the online environment, has allowed me to achieve success as an instructor early on, which I always measure in my ability to bring students closer to their individual academic and professional goals, whatever they maybe.
As I see it, a teacher serves the needs of his/her customers – the student. Each student pays for and is entitled to the best education possible. A teacher should have a passion for his/her subject and should be capable of taking different instructional approaches for the diverse learning styles of student. Teachers serve not only to instruct but also to facilitate discussion among the students. Each student has something valuable to bring into a classroom, and a teacher should be capable of gleaning that collective knowledge and experience.
Jason E Lewis
The students compliment did make my day. It makes me feel like I am reaching the students and it makes me want to learn more so that I can teach them more effectively.
Hi Twykisha,
What a great compliment to you and your efforts to meet the different learning preferences of your students. This is what being a dedicated instructor is all about.
Gary
Hi,
It's great when students appreciate your teaching style. I had a student transfer to a different class and she told me that she loved the time of the new class but misses my teaching style.
Hi Ron-
I'm glad that your students are "getting it." This is the mark of an excellent educator. Keep up the good work.
Hi Ron,
I agree with you about your ability to relate to students. You do have a background that lends itself to students understanding you understand them. You are a life long learner and are willing to share your knowledge with them because you want to. This is valuable asset to bring to the classroom.
Gary
