Developing a teaching style as a new instructor
From both my limited experience as a new instructor and also from my Max Knowledge learning in ED101, I have come to learn the value of collaborating and learning from my colleagues.
From sitting in on classes taught by colleagues it has helped me immensely in developing my own style. I have come to see what works and what doesn't work for me, customizing technique to my own strengths and weaknesses.
Anca,
You have two things going for you already your love of your field and your passion for passing your knowledge on to the next generation of students that will be entering your field. With experience and your professional development efforts you are going to become a great teacher.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I am an RVT and have recently started teaching, I love it :) so far but I am realizing, based on ED101, that i have so much to learn. I want to be able to transfer my knowledge and passion along, this program has helped a lot!
William,
Great to hear of your professional growth and your enthusiasm for sharing your knowledge and expertise. I know your students are going to benefit from your dedication and effort.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I am a first year instructor and have been in my carrer for over 15 years and would always take people under my wing and teach them my field of expertise. Developing a game plan in class was very troublesome for me at first but being able to sit in the students seat help me realize how the material was able to explained and digested. I still need help with a better game plan and I have a better feel of what an Instructor is supposed to do and contribute to a learning environment from taking ED101.
Dee,
Welcome to teaching. I wish you a very rewarding and enjoyable career. Be on the lookout for ways you can enhance your teaching abilities and effectiveness and you will develop into a great instructor.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I am a new instructor also. I had not thought about developing my own personal teaching style. I especially like the suggestions to sit in on other instructors class.
VERONICA,
I wish you continued success with your teaching. By having the open approach that you have your expertise will continue to expand and you will be able to define and refine your instructional style.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
This is my first year of teaching only have knowledge of my career hands on so far the first part of ED101 has open my eyes that I need to develope my teaching style.
Heather, I was in your situation and my "ah ha" moment was putting myself in the students' seat. I had discovered that I wanted to become an instructor and present information in a way that I would enjoy if I was sitting in the audience. I was so overwhelmed in what I thought I was obligated to do that I created an environment even I didn't want to be in. My instructional style now is to let the students present some of the information. For me, it seems to take the pressure off preparing for class and it allows me to evaluate their knowledge of the material. For the students, they get to hear from their peers instead of just my point of view on the subject and the interactive environment seems to be more enjoyable for all! Hope that helps!
Heather,
Check with your Education Director. Many colleges video tape classes and you would be able to view them at your leisure and be able to pick up some pointers from the instructors.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I would love to be able to sit in on some classes however it is difficult, because I teach night classes and during the day I have another full time job. I learn better when shown an example but given my limited opportunity to see another instructor teach limits me.
Peggy,
Great that you have understanding and supportive mentors. Their input and guidance are of such value to you during the beginning of your teaching career. Keep listening and learning. I wish you much teaching success.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
My faculty mentors have been excellent in both helping me to learn instructional techniques and in motivating me to keep my composure when the students don't seem to understand the lecture content. Teaching definitely has its challenges; I appreciate all of the tips that have been taught me by my mentors.
Kathy,
Great attitude about how to expand your professional expertise. Keep your life long learning attitude and you are going to enjoy your teaching career for a long time.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I have been teaching for 5 years now. I still love to sit in on other instructor's classes. I always walk away with an “I want to try that†or a “boy I hope I never sound like†that from each experience. Watching how other instructors motivate their students has helped me to loosen up a bit. When comparing myself to others I found I was too rigid and the change has really helped my teaching style.
Eric,
This is a good part of your professional development plan. By talking with and observing other instructors you will see different instructional strategies you can use in your classroom.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
