Hi Patricia,
You are not really sending mixed messages with this approach. I have much of the same approach so I understand what you are saying. The requirements outlined in the syllabus are fixed. I make announcements based upon upcoming assignment deadlines and quizzes at the beginning of every class. I ask for any questions so we are clear. I am very formal during this time and then I move into our lecture, group work, etc.. It is at this time I can assume a more relaxed delivery. They know that they need to listen and for and when to relax a bit and become involved with the lecture.
Gary
Hi Jacquelyn,
What are some ways you do this?
Thanks.
Gary
I have a relaxed instructional style, with lectures, power points, review groups, and hands on lab. It is my personality that is relaxed but my syallbus is more direct. Dates for assignments due and points taken off if late after certain dates. I worry that this is giving mixed messages to my students but I still cannot resolve these to sides of my personality. I treat my students as the adults they are with my expectations but give students the benefit of the doubt. Please advise?
I like to show students a hands on approach
Hi Jamie,
Right you are. Management of student behavior is essential for teaching success so instructors need to make sure they are managing the situation from the first day on.
Gary
Hi Mary,
Good example of how students can make application to the newly acquired knowledge. The more opportunities you can provide like this the more effective your students are going to be able to grasp both the concepts and applications.
Gary
Hi Audrey,
You are right on with your planning efforts. I think as a result of your efforts you are going to see increased student involvement and satisfaction with the course. Keep up the efforts you are undertaking.
Gary
Hi Kevin,
This is a great way to continue your instructional growth and expertise. Reflection is important of growth as you mention and is something more instructors need to make a part of their instructional growth.
Gary
Definately a must to also see how others manage their class. You can have the best ways to creatively teach but if you can't manage your class, they won't obtain the content.
I need to employ techniques to engage my students during my lecture by asking questions and providing visuals. My subject matter involves a lot of guidelines and can easily get bogged down in words. I try to introduce a guideline and then demonstrate it's use.
Hi Dianne,
Good strategy. I teach a 6 hour block and encounter the same reaction from my students. I use the model you outlined and my students really like it. The case studies help them to see relevance and application to what they are studying so they are ready for the next class segment when they complete a case study.
Gary
Hi James,
This is a very effective way to promote your professional development. Sharing gives you insight into how you can grow in your skills and expertise.
Gary
Hi Rashidah,
You make a good point about the "bouncing off the walls" in wondering if this is a good or bad thing. Keep up your enthusiasm and enjoy your teaching while offering your students content that is interesting and relevant. As a result of these efforts you will do fine and a teacher.
Gary
Hi Ashley,
Good strategies and I know they will be helpful to you as you run your classes. As you know students pick up on things that instructors do and by reflecting an organized and competent persona you will have the advantage when it comes to starting a new class.
Gary
I feel I need to improve how I show enthusiasm for a topic that I teach. Although I take a lot of time and effort to learn about a topic, I don't do well when I present the topic. I am pretty boring!
Ways that I can improve my technique?
1. Use more interactive types of learning, such as role playing, demonstrations, and educational games. Power points are great for showing a lot of information in a short amount of time, but don't do a lot for motivating the students.
I have been teaching a number of years and find reflection to be agreat tool to use in developing my instructional style. After every lesson I sit down and writ the pro's and con's of the lesson what I thought went well and the changes I would make to make sure I was getting across to the studnets
I teach a daily 4-hour class. A break is once every hour (college policy) but still students can be struggling to pay attention after a couple hours. When this happens, I break them into groups and give them scenarios where they need to apply what has been discussed so far. Also, I sometimes show a film (surgery) that reminds them why chose this field.We then discuss how they would perform in that setting and their personal rewards involved.
Dianne
When I first began teaching I would sit in on other instructor's classes to observe how the handled their students and how the taught the material. This gave me a better perspective on my teaching style and ways I can improve or enhance what I already do in the classroom.
I too have observed other instructors to hone my own skills. In addition, when addending a seminar I always come away with important information concerning style. One seminar I attended years ago looked at how "story telling" in a lecture really enhances student retention.
I observe others around me, not only instructors, but all authority figures. I focus more on what I distracts me when people are explaining something. This makes me aware of what I don't want to do when instructing. I find it very important to look towards unconventional ways to improve instructional style. Differentiation from the norm, will help students recall lessons.
