I believe that first being an instructor you must know the information that you are transfering over to your students. With that being said, when an instructor is comfortable with the lesson, they are able to give the lesson of learning such a spice that the students want more. I grasp hold to the attention of the student by making them read the material and as we go through different subjects or topics I envolve questions and answers from each student called upon. Innovative stories that would give clearer picture of their transformation of life. Energy and excitement helps the student retain the information they are learning?
You present some good arguments. The students have to trust you and feel comfortable to make mistakes. That is part of the learning process. Making the learning experience fun and safe for the students is important, but the experience still has to be challenging.
I try to ask questions regarding the material throughout the discussion and encourage the students to respond. If there are no responses, I then start down the list of students (logged into the class) and first ask whether they understand the material and then I ask specific questions about the topic.
Excellent point. When doing the labs the students have to not only have to assimilate the the knowledge, they must then have to apply it to a real world problem. I found that coaching them at this time critical to the learning process and really helps them to put it all together. Love it when the light bulb gets lit!
I like the idea of incorporating your over all experience in the industry to provide a guide for the students, yet reminding them that there is light at the end of the tunnel by telling them you were once an online student like them. Good job!
Dionne,
This is a good way to bring refinement to your instructional style development. The more you can observe others the more choices about delivery styles you will have.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Camille,
This is very true. As each finger print is different so is each approach to the classroom. Keep looking for ways to expand your expertise and knowledge base about teaching and you will continue to grow. I wish you continued teaching success.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I try to incorporate as many hands-on projects into my classes as well. This also helps focus those who have only been partially listening.
One obvious answer for the instructor is to attend classes to get a better insight into various new approaches and show potential flaws in my present approach. Additionally, I found that by taking the time to learn who your students are, talk with them (love the synchronistic online chats) and by having an open office approach for the students you can gain a better understanding of the students. This includes learning what their interests are, their goals and their fears. I ask from their experience and how they learn best. From these conversations I can make them feel like they are part of the action and tailor the discussions to help their learning experience.
However, the big problem is when students don't want to respond back. They don't attend the live chats, they don't read their critiques and do not respond to emails (especially when you caught them copying their work from online sources).
As a new teacher myself, I compared the instructional styles of my past teachers and I take what I like about each and try to incorporate the styles to how I approach my students
I normally use more hands on approach when I am teaching .
This is an excellent technique and fosters class participation. It also helps students that are shy to step out of their comfort zone and stretch their communicative abilities. I also like to pause and give students a writing exercise when discussing certain topics. This gives them a chance to internalize information and respond.
I like to engage students by sharing personal experiences of my own as it regards topics being discussed and encourage student to share experiences they have relevant to those topics. IT makes them more at ease and comfortable in the classroom.
I agree. Using different delivery techniques is always helpful and reaches out to the different learning styles that student encompass. Instructors should be cognizant of the learning styles of the students they are teaching and try to communicate to students on those levels.
In many instances technical subject matter requires hand-on delivery. Being able to actually participate in this way will enhance the student's understanding of the material to be learned. Also, people process information differently and this will further benefit those that favor visual as well as audio presentations.
Preparation is key to successful presentation and delivery of subject matter. It shows students that you are well informed and allows you as an instructor to be informative and organized. You are confident in your own abilities and this resonates with the students and builds their confidence in you as an instructor and in their own abilities to embrace what needs to be learned.
Students will embrace topics and internalize understanding of content when they see you as being, knowledgeable, enthusiastic and supportive of imparting this knowledge to them.
It is good to get to know your students and to ask them about the course and subject matter and to encourage them to share their thoughts and/or concerns about various topics being learned. Always encourage class participation and respond positively especially to students that are less likely to be interactive.
Stay current with my subject matter and technology that supports delivery and instruction.
Have more group projects.
This course has been very helpful. As I began to focus on the class as a whole it'll help me get everyone involved. Understanding that's its not always good to put someone on the spot but to assign various classroom assignments tat requires one's verbal response, has proven to help thise shy and closed-in to feel more apart of the class setting.
