Dr. Kevin,
Thank you for this good discussion about the balance we need to find in our instructional delivery. You are right on with your statements about how we need to adapt and customize our instruction on a regular basis if we are to remain on target with our students.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
David,
So true. Each class has a unique personality based upon the student dynamics that it contains. Adjustments have to be made to keep the students on target and moving forward with their learning.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I think that resisting the temptation of becoming stuck in our ways is the big thing here. It is quite natural for us to reach a comfort zone at some point. Unfortunately this could have both positive and negative implications. On the one hand, we might be more efficient and less caught off guard by things that inevitably come up in a classroom. However, on the other hand, we might be more closed off to learning new methods, strategies, and/or approaches that could improve our instructional style and ultimately student learning. By resisting the temptation of becoming stuck in our ways, we open ourselves up to take advantage of learning opportunities (both formal and informal) that could potentially aid in further developing instructional style.
You can get to know your students learning styles and organize your class to fit those styles.
I also teach the same subject on a rotating basis, students that respond well to a particular learning device or hands on activity may not work as well for a different group of students. You have to be flexible to meet changing needs of your students
Part of classroom preparation is looking for ways to more clearly explain complex ideas with concrete examples to illustrate concepts given.
Scott,
Stay fresh and prepared no matter how many times a course is being taught by you. This is something all us instructors need to keep in our minds if we are going to keep our students engaged.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I believe in preparation as well as flexibility. While I may teach the same class multiple times, each class is unique depending on the students present. I have to maintain my flexibility as well as creativity to adjust to the demands and needs of each section.
Scott Webb
Pamela,
I create learning groups of 3-5 students. I balance the group members so I have the different personalities spread throughout the groups. This way the shy/timid students contribute to the discussions in small group and then take turns reporting out on the problems they solved or case studies they have worked on. With this model I get input from everyone.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Peggy,
You have a great approach to instruction. I like the way you are bringing current information into the class each time you teach it as well as fresh approaches to how it is delivered. Everyone benefits from this.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Christopher,
It is amazing the difference knowing the names of students can make in student relationships and the development of mutual respect.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Michael,
Students like an engaging supportive instructor and you are just that. So keep up the good work and continue to enjoy teaching.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
This is where I sometimes struggle I try to get all involved and I seem to cause the really shy timid students to get lost . How do you balance all those different personalities at one time?
I agree that enthusiasm is contagious and students can be motivated when they see you're excited about your profession.
My instructional style is always evolving, that is, I like to teach each class from scratch everytime. Since there is always new developments in my subject; change of text; change of objectives; and of coarse, rotation of students every six weeks. By not copying my notes from one class to the next, I write and lecture according to my class size and their personalities as a whole. Sometimes less powerpoints and more writing notes on the board, or vice versa. It keeps it always fresh for me and my personality or attributes are also not so automatic.
I find building personal connections starts first with taking extra effort in learrning their names. I do so by calling their names when they have questions or when calling on students to participate.
Continue to reach the students through preparation, delivery of material, and motivation that effectively reaches each student to want more.
I try to always dress professionally to set an example. I try to always prepare well and list what is expected on the white board at the beginning of each class. When I present material, I have found that my sense of humor is really appreciated. The more dry the subject, the more it is appreciated. Like a lot of men, I don't interact with students on a personal level as well as most of the female instructors, but my students always know I will answer any subject related question they have...even if I have to do some research to find the answer.
Curtis,
Spoken like a true veteran of education. Good list and one that new instructors need to keep in their minds at all times. Thanks for sharing it with us.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Autumn,
Great strategy to use early on in your teaching career. This is going to help you to expand your expertise and become more effective and efficient in your instructional delivery.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
