I discuss teaching strategies with another instructor who is more experienced than I am. I benefit from his experiences and broader perspective, and he benefits from hearing the perspective of someone with less experience. We trade ideas that each of us think have been successful.
My instructional style consists of high energy and enthusiasm for the topic I am teaching. Also I love to engage the students with discussions and real life comparisons. I always found as a student this is what motivated and captivated me.
My students have told me that I "bounce off of the walls". What they didn't tell me was whether they were actually learning anything. I will need to enhance my follow up on the way my students retain and apply the content that I and teaching.
I need to be more prepared before entering the room. Knowing exactly what I want to cover that day and what I'm going to say would aid in being preceived as a professional. I also need to work on my promptness when starting the class. I tend to be running late most of the time.
Hi Destiny,
Welcome to teaching. I wish you much success in this wonderful area of sharing with others. You are on the right path with your professional development. Never stop learning and you will do fine as an educator.
Gary
As a new Instructor, I have learned the importance of bringing visual images/props into the classroom to aid in discussions. In addition, I have also learned how to improve my Instructional Style by observing how other Instructors deliberate.
Hi Simon
You are making great progress with your professional development. Keep up your learning as an educator and your teaching will reflect in the higher satisfaction levels of your students.
Gary
Having had no formal instructor training per say and now with my new instructor position, I have had almost endless supply of training assistance and on line courses. Now,after several months, I feel I can finally start instructing with confidence...Of course, my personality has much to do with my style but now being better prepared and having access to a good teaching infastructure will obviously be a big boost to my instructional style and an enormous boost in my confidence
I certainly agree! I am fortunate to work clinically outside of teaching which allows me to teach the latest in evidence-based-practice. Also, understanding what today's students expect in the classroom and ensuring that it is relevant in the clinical setting is of the utmost importance. Use of blended learning methods is a must in the diverse population we encounter.
I can take classes to educate myself on excellent techniques to use in the classroom.
After almost six years I still consider myself a "rookie" so I constantly network with more experienced instructors and pick their brains to the best approaches to content and style to improve every course. Today's students are not traditional in that they learn from reading a textbook so I try to incorporate blended learning methods into the class.
Hi Jayne,
You are so fortunate to have a mentor that has been helping you expand your expertise as an educator. I know your students are benefiting from your dedication.
Gary
I attend as many seminars and conferences as I can to learn more effective styles of teaching.
I also am a motivated instructor who uses (tasteful) humor in the classroom.
I have been teaching for five years and have had the distinct pleasure of learning instructional styles from a fabulous instructor (and mentor). I make notes and keep them in a file for reference so I can continue to improve.
I evaluate the learning development of the students. If the students grasp the current topic in an appropriate amount of time, i.e. feedback from chapter discussions, I will utilize my current techniques again. If not, I refine my teaching style, based on what I observe from the students.
Hi Betty,
What great resources you have. I know these are very helpful in your achieving your professional development plan goals. This also results in more effective and efficient teaching to the benefit of students.
Gary
I change my instructional style with each group of students, depending on their needs, and prefered learning styles. If a particular style is not effective, I will incorporate a change the next time. Sanford-Brown College offers their instructors multiple webinars and inservices on improving instructional techniques. We also have a coach that visits our classroom each quarter and evaluates our instructional proceess. He then offers suggestions on how we can improve on our delivery style. He also comments on areas that are effective.
Hi Dianne,
Great to hear how your students were surprised that the time had gone so quickly. You are right this is the sign you are doing good things with your students and your approach. Keep up the great job.
Gary
Hi Jesse,
Good for you. By always being on the look out for things you can incorporate into your teaching is a great way to be an effective instructor. Continued growth will allow you to enjoy your students while knowing you are getting your message across to them.
Gary
