I try to incorporate a lot of hands-on small group work activities. I give each group a different case study to work on and allow the students to compare and contrast their thoughts. I have to instruct for 5 hours so I divide material into individual concepts.
I could further develop my skills using the whiteboard. Making sure things are clear with instruction.
I assist my shy students to be pro actice in the classroom, by allowing them to speak on material that they have past knowledge, when the course lecture is in their area of expertise.
Flexibility has to be a part of the mix when it comes to teaching style especially with the students that I have to work with. I think if you seem too rigid as an instructor students may not want to let you know about some of the barriers that may keep from completing your course.
I tend to look into areas where I am the weakest and try to work on those, I usually have a discussion with my students at the end of the term and ask them what I can do to become more effective as an instructor. I have had students give me some of the best feedback and I like to see their reaction when I start using their suggestions.
And, if it weren't for admiring the important teachers in my life, I wouldn't now be up in the front of a class. They not only taught me English, Maths, etc., they also taught me the importance of passing the knowledge on.
Nightwing,
This is a great source of information and teaching strategies. As you say learning from those you admire is a great way to expand your expertise.
Gary
The techniques I have recently employed in my classroom is group dicussion, I was hesitant to use this method due to the fact it can cause confusion with wwhat the subject is and you have many student talking about all kinds of stuff, but if you introduce the subject matter prior to forming the group, the students are already thinking of what to talk about and come to the table prepared. This has really helped with shy students as well. It functions as an ice breaker and get them to open up.
Has anyone experienced any similar situations with group discussion attempts? I would like to see anyone else has tried this technic.
After each course students complete a survey about the entire course. I take their responses seriously to help change courses for the future. I believe as a teacher their is always room for improvement
I have found it to be extremely valuable to observe other instructors. By learning from those I admire, I can become on a par with them.
Planning and ensuring the students their input is important. Help to make everyone feel comfortable that their a big part of the class.
Geri,
Good point about how you approach the classroom. You are right about each class being different. This is why it is important to review the course content and delivery plans so you can customize your approach for that unique group of students.
Gary
Each class population is different and by seeking feedback from the students gives me the opportunity to make adjustments to their learning styles.
I use power points and hands on, they are effective since students can see, listen, read and answer questions. Definitely, it is a very complete instructional style
Hi Gary,
I agree with your comment. It is frustrating to have to do a survey right after you finished a exam. Because people are lazy or in a rush to leave, the data they provide can be skewed. When feeling pressured often people will take the easy way out. Such as answering "Satisfied" through the entire survey when in fact they had an issue with a portion of a course. Not a good method to use. An improvement would be to put the survey the day before the last day or on the last day, but before the exam.
Maureen,
Yes, it can. By combining your personality, expertise, experience and enthusiasm into your delivery you are going to have a winning combination of both style and commitment.
Gary
Paul,
The 60-90 time frame is a very good idea because by that time the students will have digested what they have learned and will be able to speak objectively about the course. Our college gives course evaluations at the conclusion of the final which is the worst time ever for evaluations due to the taking of the test and uncertainty of how they did.
Gary
Jodi,
The more variety you can offer your students in terms of acquiring the course content the more engaged they will be. In your instructional planning look for relevancy and application to what you are sharing and this will help the students to "connect the dots" between content and their career development. I wish you much teaching success.
Gary
My instructional style can be further developed by combining my personality and competencies into a presentational format that will motivat my students by informing, encouraging and instructing them.
I agree. I have also learned sending a post course evaluation out to the students 60 to 90 days after the course can help confirm your instruction was worth their time and if any subject should be changed or improved upon.
