David,
Good comments about the strategies that instructors need to employ to keep the students engaged. It is an ongoing effort that requires a lot of planning as you so well stated.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
First, understand the inability of the student and restructure the approach in presentation of the topic, particularly with emphasis on powerpoint and animation, if applicable. Also, I will inquire from the more advanced students as to how they may see another appropriate methodology geared towards assisting their classmate. With these suggestions and ofcourse constantly researching for alternatives, ideas do flow to allow for instructional versatility.
I like to get to know what the student expecvts from the class in general. I also like to have materials and videos of the subject on hand to give a better visual of what is being taught.
BY staying current with what is going on in your field. Demonstrating new techniques and talk about new trends or fads the relate to the industry. Also by having guest speakers come in and speak with students
Andrew,
Good point about how we need to keep working to expand our knowledge and expertise as educators and communicators of our field.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Donna,
All of these activities increase your professional expertise and engagement with your students. I commend you for all of your efforts.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Reviewing material (handouts, presentations, tests, notes) from previous courses are a great way to not only expand your instructional abilities, but to keep the abilities you may have learned years ago. Its amazing how easy it is to forget the basics once you're in the classroom.
I read my AAMA journal that I receive every other month for the latest advancements in medical assisting. I also keep my certifications such as my CMA(AAMA) certification and my CPR certification up to date. I talk with professionals in my field and have them come in as guest speakers. I often learn from them, not just my students. I also keep my continuing education credits for my certification up to date and by doing that I am keeping on top of what is going on in my field. We also have department meetings here at work where we talk about best practices in our individual classrooms and bounce ideas around to each other.
I will expand my instructional abilities by taking classes needed to improve my skills. Look up information on the internet that will improve my skills.
Staying current with new technologies and current trends in science and technology, as it applies to the field you are teaching in. Come up with different ideas to get this information to the student, and try to explain how this new information might impact their careers.
Christina,
These stories help to make the content come alive for them. This reinforces and validates why you are teaching what you are teaching.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I have found that my students enjoy coupling real world examples/experiences into the curriculum. This helps to reinforce a topic while creating a more open and realistic environment
I can expand my instructional abilities simply by becoming more organized and having all material prepared and ready before my students arrive for class.
Brian,
Great way to stay current as well as gives you a global perspective you can share with your students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
To stay current with new teaching styles and methods. Develop a plan for teaching strategies and for affective learning.
I read current peer-rated journals on the subjects I teach. Also, I have taken several online courses at several institutions which help me keep current and update with ever changing challenges in law enforcement and terrorism.
James,
All of these strategies can help you to expand your instructional delivery expertise. This is a great way to learn about new techniques and methods of sharing course content and to become more effective as an instructional delivery expert.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
You can expand your instructional abilities by having peers and academic supervisors observe and docuement feedback on your instruction. This can be accomplished throuhg a formal observation process and documentation, or informally through a collegial request to observe a particular part of the instruction or to look for solutions to a particular instructional issue or concern.
While continued education in a field or subject keeps an instuctor current Instructional abilities often can be expanded by sitting in another instructors class and observing instructionla techniques that can be applied may offer additional support tools.
Carla,
Right you are. If you don't stay current you shouldn't be teaching because you are being unfair to your students just as you have mentioned.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
