What I like to do is not just lecture. I like to get my students engaged through discussion and class projects. I like my students to work together because on the job, they will need to work with people they may or may not get along with.
I am in the process of enhancing my teaching style through classes towards my master's degree and exploring alternative methods of engtaging students such as music, fdrum circles and group meditation to establish an atmosphere of trust and calm.
Anna-Maria,
Right you are. This is what professional development is all about. We need to keep striving to expand our expertise as educators.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
To elaborate on the point I made earlier, if the students for example looks puzzled after I explain a concept, I use examples and illustration to get the point across. I would also tap into my real life experience and discuss incidents during my work in the field. That tends to help alot. Also instead of using health jargon, I sometimes k-mart (using terms they can understand)terms and situations to breakdown the concept in simpler terms. That also seems to help.
No one is perfect, and no one is that good that they do not need to sharpen their skills. There are many ways in which instructional style can be further developed, refine and enhanced. This can be done by observing other instructors, getting feedback from students and your peers, by making note of students reactions during lectures etc, and by looking at exam results.
Karyn,
Students really like stories and examples, don't they? Sharing stories really validate the content that is being offered showing the students both relevancy and application.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Stacy,
What are the key elements you see being needed for an effective presentation?
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I like to use my past experiences to help illustrate my point to students. I hope to help them understand that we can all continue to learn, at whatever juncture in life we are...student, new hire, and even instructor.
I prefer to use the demonstration method. With the courses I usually teach (IT), I find this is the best way to ensure the students are retaining the information. I also take the time to give the students real life examples so they can apply the tools they are learning.
Presentation is everything in the classroom
I use visual and hands on styles in a computer lab. I demonstrate what the function does and where buttons/keys are located. After the students get the idea, they complete exercises that give them the experience in using the function
Juan,
Through the use of real life situations you are showing your students both application and relevancy. This makes the content come alive and enables them to make immediate use of their newly acquired knowledge.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Mirela,
Great way to start a course off and get everyone settled in. Your students know you are prepared and there to help them achieve success if they will put forth the effort. Thanks for sharing these methods with us.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Sandra,
These are great ways to engage the students and make the course come alive. I know your students enjoy you sharing these methods with them.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Cheryl,
Good points for instructors to remember and follow. By doing so they will set the tone for a very successful course.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Refer to real life situations has proven to increase attention and content retention in my students. Problem-solving approach is also very effective, as it challenges and engage the students.
Although many students favor specific learning styles, I also find that some students need a variety of approaches. As you mentioned, a lecture followed up by an example or demonstration can really put the pieces together for them.
I find that using the lab/practicle interactive with the classroom (book learning) tends to validate the book and give confidence to the student. We tend to engage in a subject area then proceede to the lab and validate what we have learned. My students tend to pay more attention in class with this process.
Referring to real-life situations has always proven to increase attention and retention in my students.
Also, a problem-solving approach: I teach music software and at some moments I encounter situations which allow me to ask the class such questions as "I'm not hearing the expected results. Can anybody tell me why?" or "What should I do if I want the drums to sound more realistic?".
My teaching style involves techniques that maximize interactions between my students and me; my continuous professional and personal development learning from past mistakes (mine and my colleagues’); learning from my students; upgrading already acquired knowledge. I am always first in the classroom, at least 30-60 min. before my students start coming in making sure that all devices that I use for the lecturing work and preparing for the class. After the first class, I know the names of all my students by heart.
