Carmen,
Glad to hear this because we all need to take advantage of professional development opportunities when we can.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Megan,
You have a good educational leader to provide you with suggestions for engaging students. These strategies for right on in terms of helping students to become involved in the course and see the value of what is being taught.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I find it very rewarding that the college I work for give the instructors the opportunity to take these courses that benefit the instructor and the students as well.
The campus dean of academic affairs at the campus I teach at is really into implementing active learning strategies in the classroom. Therefore, I utilize various active learning techniques such as having students role play different scenarios that reflect situations they could come across in their careers, reflective writing either during or after a lecture, quick-think activities where students have to find supporting information to support a statement made by me (the instructor, pairing students up to compare notes and splitting the class into small groups for discussion. I find that these techniques help students learn more efficiently and it shows in the student learning outcomes (SLOs) assessments.
Suzanne,
Great way to continue your professional development. Using all the resources you have to expand your expertise will result in you make a greater impact on the lives of your students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I plan on continuing online education to help me develop my skills as an instructor. I think that the more I use this outlets, the better off I am, simply because formal education classes are not required to teach in the post high school level.
I can't tell you how many times I have called upon my friends who are full-time, licensed teachers for suggestions with lesson plans, handling students with special needs, etc.
I think that this free online outlet can really enhance my entire classroom experience. Thank you for your time.
Nicole,
You are fortunate to being in such a school. This way your professional development will continue and assist you in staying current with your content and delivery.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
My particular licensure requires continuing education throughout that year. I am also fortunate that the school where I work encourages us to think outside the box and add to the cirriculum as things change and evolve in the work force.
Maritza,
I agree. I find attending other lectures and watching instructors work with students gives me ideas for how I can improve my abilities as an instructor.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I think it is a great idea to attend other teachers lectures even if they are from a different department. ALso, it helps to attend CE classes to improve your knowledge on your technical skills and bring them to the classroom.
Carol,
Sounds like you have a good balance in your approach. This instructional style keeps the class progressing and gives students ample opportunities to contribute to the class.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
My instructional style is one in which I involve the class in what I call Lecture/discussions. I ask a whole lot of questions and involve every student in the class. I utilize my skills also to assist students in answering some questions correctly.And yes will allow students to fail when it benefits their learning. I tell them that is the way to success sometimes.
Robert,
Both of these sources of your instructional style are so valuable in shaping how you approach your students. I know the results of your teaching efforts will be rewarded with more engaged and focused students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Glenn,
All good ideas for professional improvement. Are there other things that you can do to expand your expertise as an educator?
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
My instructional style was developed by two major influences. One is my professional experience. I treat students very much like I always have colleagues in the professional arena in terms of politeness and professionalism. I address their questions and critique their work as if I was talking with a Jr. or Mid-level designer at an ad agency or design firm. The way that I act professionally is how I treat my students which not only give them a direct impression of the profession, but also makes them feel like they are being taught the same way that new designers learn from experienced designers. The other influence is that I have always found myself teaching like some of my favorite college professors. I have adopted some of their terminology and will teach very much like how I was taught in college. I believe that there are a part of both of these two things in the instructional style of most teachers and instructors.
I can take online classes and attend local seminars to enhance my style.
Joshua,
I think this is a good reflection to have as you prepare for the classroom. This helps to give you insight into how your students are receiving the material and how you are modeling it to them.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Jason,
Great point and one that I take to heart as well. Knowing that we're not going to have all the answers either from the start or even after a long teaching career is a great attribute for an instructor.
I've been an instructor for a number of years, and have recently accepted a position as a "peer" instructor. The dynamics of instructing others who may have just as much if not more knowledge of a particular subject area is challenging indeed.
Keeping up with the latest instructional techniques and teaming up with peers to see what works for them is a must.
-Brian
I find that recalling on my own previous instructors strengths\weaknesses is an affective tool in my own development. I, like my students, am also influenced by modeling.
Peggy,
Good strategies to follow. You are doing a number of things that will assist in your professional development and expertise expansion. Keep up the good effort.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
