Since I'm new at teaching, there are innumerable things I intend to do to improve as an instructor. Some of these include: taking classes to improve my knowledge of the subject matter, taking classes like this one on improving my teaching techniques, renewing my certification, varying my teaching style to address a variety of learning styles, and getting feedback from other faculty and especially from my students. -Jeanne
Dr. Meers: I believe that there a number of ways to expand my instructional abilities including classes like this one which expand horizons and provide good outlines and overviews of how to plan and conduct classes. There are also numerous good reminders of things we as faculty ought to do. In addition to this type of course i believe that there are many ways to improve my instructional capabilities. These include participating with other faculty in their classrooms to see how they "do it" as well as mentoring new faculty and helping to train them on ways to be effective. Reading materials that keep our expertise current and continuing to bring our own domain expertise up to date through real world experience continues to be an excellent way to improve instructional abilities. One additional way that I try to improve is to take seriously my students course evaluations. Thank you.
Matt
Hello Gary,
Your response is reassuring to me as an educator. While I am advanced in years compared to the current generation, I too become distracted or bored with instructor lectures which seem to drone on endlessly. By incorporating other learning activities, it is possible to also address multiple learning styles through the use of visual aids, models, etc.
Wendy
Technical Skills such as subject matter is important because in Economics there is always new information that needs to be digested. Giving students up-to-date information is necessary for a better teaching environment.
Hi Jill,
You have a good professional development plan going for you. This plan will allow you to expand your expertise while keeping you up to date on the latest teaching technology.
Gary
I like to talk to other instructors to see what works for them, then I review what I learned and use techniques that I feel will also reflect my style of learning
As a digital immigrant myself, I try to stay up-to-date with new technology and try to incorporate the technology into my classroom and delivery. I stay up to date by reading The Teaching Professor and other trade professions. I also attend at least one teacher's conference per year to get new ideas.
BY TALKING TO SOMEONE WITH MORE EXPERIENCE AND HAVEING A OPEN MIND FOR OTHER IDEAS
I firmly believe that there is always potential to expand your skills in the teaching environment no matter aspect of teaching you are in.
1. Attend professional development seminars
2. Apply different teaching styles to cater to each different learning style.
3. Encourage class interaction
Hi Eric,
Your professional development plan is a good one where you are adding to your content area of expertise (horsemanship) and your instructional delivery expertise as well. Growth is going to be yours on both fronts.
Gary
Well Dr. Meers, as I am an Equine, and Production Animals instructor, my plan for developing my instructional abilities would focus on trust building techniques, and becoming a better horseman myself. Another way my instructional methods could expand would be to attend CE credits, join additional professional organizations like the Assoc. of Veterinary Technician Educators, and look for more career college specific instruction like CEE.
Hi Stanley,
Look for places where additional input such as media would reinforce your point. What you are looking for is support to your content. If you feel a picture, video or PowerPoint would help your students grasp the concept you are presenting then you should put it into your presentation.
Gary
What is the best way to learn how to incorporate media into online presentations, such as power point or flash?
I find that it is, effective to show visual aids. as well as revealing the content.
Practice, practice, and practice, especially with a coach and/or mentor to give constructive, immediate feedback.
Take classes
Read
Observe other instructors in the field
Hi Yowanda,
Good ideas for expanding your instructional expertise. I appreciate your comments about the frustrations of providing resources to students when the college doesn't support you. This calls for being creative in how you can provide the needed resources with limited or no support.
Gary
I have other instructors sit in on the class and offer suggestions on how I can inprove my abilities. I also open discussion with individual students to get thier feedback on the topic just covered and if the topic could be presented another way.
You can expand your instructional abilities by following the curriculum, making sure the course is designed to help the students meet a set of learning goals. You will need a course outline, which is your master plan.
