Regular feedback from students. Midway through each and every class, I have students complete (anonymously) a "Start/Stop/Continue" form. It has 3 areas for comments for things they would like for me to START doing, STOP doing, and CONTINUE doing. Very effective and useful.
I think that the best that any teacher can do - it is to match her/his teaching style to student's learning style (visual, auditory, tactile). It may require to experiment with different teaching tools, such as powerpoints, videotapes, printed materials, actual equipment, to assess learning style. In any case, the key to successful teaching is to start with what the student knows - the comparison of the old information and new one will help the student to grasp new information much quickly. Then move from simple to complex.
Very important to seize the moment when student is ready to learn (usually it is the moment when student starts to ask questions.
Working with adult learners it is very important to make material meaningful and allow immediate application of the knowledge.
I need to be more focused with my students and keep them on track. At times we can go off topic depending on the size of the class and the subject matter.
I am a new instuctor and I am developing my instuctional styles as I go. I have learned that I have to be comfortable with who I am before I can teach. I have also learned to inject my personality into my instuctional style, I also think it is very inmortant to be open with your students. If you do not know something it is ok to say so.
How do u know what your instructional style is. AND how do u use this in the class room.
Sometime i think i should do field trips to keep the student more focused on the area of learning they are going into.
Hi Cheryl,
I like your attitude, honesty and enthusiasm about teaching. You are right some of our topics are not as exciting as others. By doing what you are doing, making them personally interesting you are bringing your personality to the classroom which helps to sell the content. I know your students are enjoying your classes. I wish you much teaching success.
Gary
I will continue to seek CEU that with enhance my knowlegde in my current field. I am going to continue trying to be the role model that is expected- continue to start classes on time, but also, try to take a few minutes to interact with the students.
maintain adept to new and intriguieing methods to present material related to the courses I instruct
Jayasree,
I like this approach, too. I have my new students write their names on a sheet of paper, and add the credentials that they desire to earn following graduation. I ask the students to place this "document" in a "user friendly place" and refer to it when they are feeling a bit discouraged.
Audrey,
You are absolutely correct regarding the over-use of Power Point, in my opinion. It has been my experience that students thrive with a variety of learning tools...especially role play. I have found it quite challenging to create role play activities. How do you begin the process of generating these events?
Thanks,
Cheryl
Personally, I approach each day as a new opportunity for learning. Not only for my students, but for me. Unlike the Harvard professor who finds each day's case his favorite, I find some topic areas are not quite as exciting as others. It is with these topics that I really focus on personal creativity...I must make the content interesting to me, so I can sell it to my students. This creativity might present as a Jeopardy-type game, using modeling clay to demonstrate anatomical relationships, or tossing ping-pong balls to allow students to perceive a more tangible appreciation of a physical concept. When all else is exhausted I seek out my mentors...or bring prayer back to the classroom.
Hi Ali,
Guest speakers and field trips are powerful motivators for students. The more you can have professionals from their field come in and tell their stories the more impact your course content will have on your students.
Gary
Hi Wayne,
This is a good strategy to use because it helps the students to stay focused on you and what you are saying.
Gary
i would try to use different techniques with my students, but basically we are usually in a clinical setting, so demonstration is usually the method that I used. students will usually return demo or in our case, thy are doing the actual skills that were taught at the skills lab.
I think it is very important to let our students know that we are partner in this journey. I think I can enhance my teaching style be bring more outside speakers.
Thanks,
Ali
I would rotate my position around the classroom to keep the students attention.
Hi Henry,
Good strategy. This is what customizing instruction is all about. This way you can capture the attention of your students and keep them engaged.
Gary
Hi Linda,
Well said. That is what it is all about. With our quick results culture this is a concept that our students often miss. Keep your excitement level high as you are and you will continue to impact the lives of your students.
Gary
Hi Olakunle,
Good professional development plan. This way you remain current and excited about your field and helping students become successful.
Gary
