Hi Serena,
I like your saying and it is so true for educators. We need to be able to adapt and modify our delivery based upon the students we have. As you know each class is different and as a result our delivery has to be different as well.
Gary
I have a little saying"be flexible, change is constant". That applies to my instruction style. . Is this a class of 30 or a class of three? I approach each differently-the three is more of a study group whereas the larger groups has more traditional structure as a lecture,practice, discuss format. Each class seems to take on its own personality and I gear my planning according to that style--some hate lecture and would rather apply the theroy, some hate powerpoints, some love powerpoints. My challenges is to be flexible enough to get the material across and the students to succeed.
Hi Marianne,
The key is to be responsive to the messages you are getting from your students while keeping the course on target. You have found that you can do that and adapt as you have done while remaining an effective instructor. Good job.
Gary
Hi Rachael,
Good points. Our former professors can help us shape our own instructional style. By looking at how they influenced us we can determine how much we want to be like or different from them and build our identity around that.
Gary
Hi Bryan,
The motivational aspects can include guest speakers or successful graduates. They really motivate students as well as challenge them to be successful. This way you have kept the course moving forward and haven't reduced the class to just an entertainment session.
Gary
Hi Kara,
This is not uncommon due to the difference between the two worlds in which you have worked and gained experience. The key is to strive to find such a balance and you are doing that. I know you will be able to find and adapt your style in such a way that the needs of your students will be met. Keep up the good work.
Gary
I try and involve the students in the lesson plans. I ask them to think about the question that I just posed to them, and then start to expound on their answers.
I can go to workshops and learn better techniques in teaching.
My instructional style is primarily lecture. To get the attention of the students, I start with a question, statement, or handout about the subject matter. This usully leads to student talking about their experience, toughts, etc, and before long other students have joined in and I show them how it all relates to the class. I also us guest speakers in the industry and field trips to give the students "real world" experience.
I am interested in discussion about preparing tests questions. Experiences with preparing your own or using ones from the book.
Ruby
I use powerpoint presentations, discussions and small groups; however, I would like to make it a goal to engage the students more with interactive games or activities to help facilitate learning and to make the classroom a fun and exciting experience. What interactive activities have you used and which ones do you find most effective?
When I started teach I was very strict and now I have been relaxed alittle more. Some of the students seemed to rebel on the strictness so I tried to change thing up alittle and still get the job done.
Things that have helped me define my style are the perception of the student and their ability to comprehend, learn and understand the skills that I am instructing. Having everyone participate and teach them every step together this way everyone is on the same level of instruction.
This class made me think back to when I was a student. There were some instructors that were incredibly positive- and made it easy to want to learn. And, there were some that nearly discouraged me to learn. It all came down to the very first week of class- and what expectations were set. Specfic techniques that I can employ to enhance my instruction style are related directly to content and instruction. The more involved I can make my students in my classroom, the more successful they will be in my classroom. That comes down to student-instructor interaction, and student-student interaction. Also, having a positive attitude about every discussion topic is contagious- and will encourage my students to be positive.
What techniques can I employ to improve the motivational aspect of the course that we may teach without becoming entertainment, thus losing focus of the content of the course?
I appreciated the comments on ppts. I will definitely break up by presentations with slides that ask questions, add a cartoon slide, or take a discussion break after a few slides. Thanks for the great tips.
ill have speakers come in and have field trips
have speaker, and have students do more hands on
i will use method. i think its a great idea
I've been an Air Force Tech School instructor in the past. I've been a Cosmetology Instructor sine Jan 2011. I'm still in the process of finding what works best as the instructing styles greatly differ! I find myself having a few difficulties in finding the right balance of my past military experience with students and my current "civilian" students.
Hi All,
Good points about how to identify and expand your instructional style. It is a growth process that never really ends, just as learning is a life long effort.
What are some things that have helped you to define your style over your years of teaching.
Gary
