Hello! I teach in a vocational school so my students vary widely each semester. I find that I have to tailor my instructional style to the students in my class at that moment but I also notice that my style seems to change during the course of the subject matter at hand. I have conduct my class instruction on the day at hand. Teaching adults is a challenge in itself as most students have life going on and their need and want for instruction varies widely. I seem to need to change my strategies regularly as well as use different methods and tools to effectively deliver the lesson. Is this common in all college atmospheres?
David,
Thanks for sharing this positive outcome in terms of using a resource that sometimes may be overlooked. As instructors we need to always be on the look out for other ways to present our content. This video is such an example.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Hello. I was recently preparing a lesson plan for an accounting class. The subject matter had been very difficult for students in previous classes to grasp. I turned to YouTube and discovered an accounting instructor with a wonderful method of making the subject matter very easy to understand. Needless to say I not only adopted his methodology but incorporated his video in to the class presentation with great success.
Brenda,
Humor is a great tool to use in educational settings. Laughter really engages students and gets them to focus on the content while enjoying learning it.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I have found that humor can create an environment that encourages students to participate in the learning process. They often retain information learned in a humorful moment!
Sean,
Right you are about needing to set boundaries and parameters for the course and the students. Then you can build your rapport with the students from there.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Ryan,
What are some ways that you have found to be effective using these three points?
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Earl,
I am sure that they also like hearing from their instructor prior to the course starting. Good way to start the communication process.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Paulette,
I use learning groups for some of the reasons that you have listed. A good way to observe student interaction, cooperation and growth.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
That is how I originally learned, set the perameters and stick to them especially in the beginning. Later as situations dictate you can discuss the limits and restructure if needed.
That way the students know you are a stand for their success IN the perameters of the educational model and lesson plan that has been set out.
Get creative, be proactive, and maintain a positive attitude.
I try to have new student e-mail me their interest in the field. This allows me to know my student before the course starts if possible in order to develop what method will work with individual students.
I will have student work in groups. and give specific instructions for each memeber to complete. this way I can identify if they understood the materail for him or her self
I like to create a round table discussion, is mire dynamic and we end with summary and conclusions
Ethel,
Sounds like a very engaging approach. Keep up the good work because you are helping the students to personalize the course content.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Yes, I agree. I find etting the mood is imperative and being on time and organized and imperative to setting the mood.
I feel the same way, because a lot of times when I'm teaching Anatomy, it seems to work well when I ask questions. I ask question such as do you know of someone that has suffered from this ailment(something common)? Ususally someone or majority of them respond. I also ask how was this person affected by this ailment? I move on into my lecture after that 10 minute Q&A moment. Now as I deliver the information, because the other students heard the personal discussion; they now seem to be in sync as a class. I really do like this with my instructional style.
I try to engage students with questions pertaining to the powerpoint slide being shown on the screen to keep them from drifting away into another world.
Ketly,
This is such an important part of professional development. This reflection helps you to continue to improve and expand your communication and instructional expertise.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Anthony,
Good points. Establish a positive and supportive atmosphere from the beginning and this will build throughout the course.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
