By asking other instructors what they do, as it helps to get feedback and solicit ideas from other instructors. My courses are primarily lectures, and I have never taught before, so I try different ideas to make it interesting for the student. I have created some class activities that seem to motivate the class and keep them passionate about his/her career move.
Hi Karen,
Good ideas for keeping current. This is why it is so important to have a professional development plan in place. This way as an instructor you can take advantage of growth opportunities when they occur.
Gary
Hi Corey,
Good strategy. Do you have other strategies that have worked well for you?
Thanks for you input on this.
Gary
I think that keeping up to date in my field is one of the most important ways to expand my abilities. I can do that in a variety of ways - reading professional literature, attending training seminars and conferences, and networking with others in my field.
Of course, all of this must be followed up by practicing what is learned while attending seminars, training, etc. Some things might work well for you; other things may not. The only way you will know what works for you is by trying.
break up lectures into incremental segments to keep the class invovled
Reseach some topics and exercises to make classes more interactive.
Deardr/gary
Thank you for the e-mail,actually i enjoyed this acouse.
Expanding Your Instructional Abilities
Teachers, like other professionals, should have a hungering need to update themselves, to engage in professional growth, to expand and deepen their understanding. They must be attentive to fresh pedagogical techniques, student learning theories, and technological advances. Even the best teachers must continue learning in order to remain the best.
I definitely will seek additional instructional material and knowledge for myself to become a better instructor. The modules here have definitely given me more tools for instruction and also have given me a different perspective on being an instructor. At first I kind of felt like a "fish out of water" but as I go through and critically develop more strategies and techniques it seems to be getting a lot more comfortable and easier.
Hi Edward,
Congratulations for being an author. I know this is going to be a very enjoyable experience for you as well as those that read your materials. Keep up the professional development as this will also keep up your excitement for teaching.
Gary
I just fecently signed on as an author for an internet magazine. I am writing papers which will expand my teaching offerings.
Hi Marcia,
Good professional development plan. You are expanding your knowledge base both in your field as well as an educator. This is going to benefit your students for years to come. Good luck with your studies for the CPC exam.
Gary
I can expand my instructional abilities by continually taking new courses and workshops. Right now I am studying for the medical CPC exam which will take me about six months and again since I teach medical billing and coding as well as business courses, I am enhancing my career.
Hi Madeleine,
What a great background you have. The aunts in your life gave you a wonderful gift of caring about people and got you involved in education. I know you are impacting the lives of many individuals as result of the legacy that these two people gave you as a young person. Keep up the great work you are doing for the next generation of individuals entering your field.
Gary
Hi Madeleine,
Sounds like a great conference. The key is to have an ongoing professional development plan in mind and you have one laid out that is going to benefit you greatly.
Gary
Hi Madeleine,
Like your list. It says it all. By following it both you and your students are going to enjoy the learning process.
Gary
I can ask for advise try to teach using a new instructional style.
I can ask fellow instructors for advise on their instructional abilties. I can ask my PD for feedback when she comes & audits my class research information on the internet.
I consider myself a lifetime learner so for me the best way to expand my instructional abilities is to take classes that expand on knowledge that I already have or provide me with a new learning experience. Not only is the subject matter important but putting myself in the position of a student from time to time seems like the best way to keep their best interest at heart. Observing other instructors is also a great way to build instructor skill and knowledge.
Some ways I could expand in my instructional abilities are to participate in conferences or courses in teaching. I have taken a course in teaching which has definitely helped tremendously. In addition, I could find mentors and instructors to gain more perspective in teaching strategies. What has helped me is to talk with instructors that are teaching the same course but at a different school and compare notes.
