I am very new to teaching. I have been using visual aides mostly, but I am also asking my student to learn hands on. I want them to be interactive with me and use their reasoning skills. I encourage discusions in the classroom.
Jennifer,
Empowerment is a great motivator and you are providing the experiences that will help the students to feel such. Good strategy for student engagement.
Gary
I have found that learning about students views and individual learning style helps in presenting subject matter.
I teach hands-on fashion design classes that include draping, pattern drafting and garment construction. I have found that it's important to clearly present the skills that students need to successfully complete the goal of the class -- designing and constructing a garment. Taking the time at the start of the class to find out what each student is bringing with them in terms of skills and knowledge about patterns and construction allows me to present the information that they need to be successful. I think it empowers students if they feel confident that they have the basic skills needed to draft a bodice or sew a skirt
Develop a lesson plan that will cover the material in a relavant manner. This will allow me to be comfortable presenting the material and allow the student to see how the material can be used in thier lives.
Paul,
This is very good advice for every instructor. Knowing you are prepared and ready to go gives a big boost in confidence.
Gary
By having indiviadual types of learning for each type of learning style
A technique I have employed is simply rehearsing the instruction to be given. However it is important that you try to do your rehearsal where you will give your class. If it is in an outdoor setting, a rehearsal and a walk through are highly recommended. There are many environmental and man made factors to consider and they may cause you to have to adjust your delivery.
I believe that you instructional style can be enhance and refined with student evaluations. By listening to their comments you can adjust and refine your way of teaching.
Daisy,
I agree. Observations and listening are very valuable learning tools for us all.
Gary
I use several teaching strategies in each class and make transitions to address the different learning styles. It is optimal to keep students engaged in learning.
I would start off by sitting in other classrooms where I am able to see how that particular instructor manages their classroom. I would articipate in in-service meetings with other instructors. Good ideas come from instructors.
I found that "hands on" is effective as students are very interested in the field that they are going into. Personal experiences are a good way to break the ice when you are first meeting your group of students, in that they can envision themselves in thier future career.
I actually take classes in addition to teaching so that has helped me with my teaching meathods. it helps being a student also so i observe what I need as a student and apply that to my classrom and also I individualize my instructor style towars a particular student depending on their needs and learning style. I try my best to incorporate all the learning styles into my class period.
I use a visual and hands -on approach when I am teaching more technical lessons,also the students appreciate seeing techniques deomonstrated.
Emeka,
Great way to tie their personal interests and knowledge into the day's topic. You certainly did a great job of "setting the hook" for that day. Keep up the good work.
Gary
Khalda,
Good caution for all instructors to remember. Earning the respect of students is important but that respect must have boundaries if it is going to be retained.
Gary
David,
Critical thinking in times of stress in your field is so important. The more examples you can share with them as they prepare to enter their career field the greater the knowledge base from which they can make choices.
Gary
Yes, Angela preparation is the key. When you know the material and have your lesson plan mapped out students can sense your confidence and feed off your positive vibe.
I think an instructor may further develop,refine and enhance his or her instructional style through peer observation and peer collaboration. Sometimes the resources are right in front of us instead of researching far off.
