One can always grow and improve as an instructor. I am constantly taking and lecturing in Continuing Education Courses to learn and share with others what i have learned. I find Continuting Educations Courses in my field and other fields to be very helpful as the legal field is constantly changing with new decisions and case law. I also try and read periodicals and newsletters and constantly discuss with peers new ideas to aid in improvement. No matter how long you have taught, there is always room for improvement. I sometimes find watching a colleagues teaching style and methodology to be exceedingly helpful in gaining insight as to how I can improve in my instructional style.
Aquila,
You are offering instruction and support to your students in so many different ways and I commend you for your efforts. Each point that you have made is right on target because the students need to develop discipline in their lives so they will be able to provide the patient care required in a professional and timely manner.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Kathy,
As you gain more experience with them you find that you get even more good results. Keep up the effort it is really worth it.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
As of now I incorporate lecture and lab into my lesson plans. I even may use video presentations and lab experiments to enhance students learning experience. I beleive that each student is different. Therefore, I make it pertinent to use all learning styles in my lesson plans in order to accomodate my students. I beleive in making each lesson not only relate to their field but also real life. My instructional style requires participation by everyone. My students love demonstrations because many of them are visual learners. I even have them be a part of the demonstration because many are also tactile and kinesthetic learners. I create an active learning environment so that students can go home and share what they're learned with their families. In addition to the learning aspect I also make sure I set an example for my students. They would not ever catch me simple wasting time in class. Time is valuable. e.g. I start class on time because in the real world if you were a patient and your healthcare provider was late then you would not be happy. I make sure that they are carrying themselves as professionals at all times. I tell them that you never know when someone is looking at you as a prospective employee.
I will definitely do more student group activities in class. I tried a few and were very successful and engaging.
Peggy,
You have some great resources upon which to call. Experienced instructors can be a wealth of information on how to approach a situation or plan for a presentation.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Angela,
All good ways to expand your instructional delivery options as an effective educator.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Richard,
I think this is a very good way to expand your expertise as an educator. Observing others helps you to see how you can improve and be creative in your own instructional planning.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I continue to ask other instructors how they like to approach a particular topic or skill and see how that works for them. Aditionally, I have some senior instructors I can quiz when I feel stuck or need a new idea. I think sharing strateties is always rewarding.
Taking instructional courses, observing other instructors, looking back on past instructor determine what about their instructional style you can use.
Having taken many classes through the years of my education, I have tried to use the methods the various instructors have employed. The instructors that I learned the most from I have used. I try to view myself from the students position, and get feedback from them.
Bonita,
You make a very good point about bringing in your own instructional style and career experiences into the teaching process. This enhances the value of the course to the students and well as helping them to stay engaged throughout the duration of each class.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
By putting your own personality and style into a lecture could make the class more interesting. Also by adding ones own experience(s) could be an enhancement of interest to the students.
Ramon,
I think is a good strategy to follow because you will be able to relate more to each student as a result of knowing how much they really know and can do in relation to the lab requirements. Your knowledge of their developing competencies will help you to provide support as needed.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
One technique I can use is speding more time in lab students seem to get a better understanding when they are doing the work besides just talking about it.
Toni,
The key to your instructional style is that you are sharing content that students understand and can apply. You are doing such with your approach and as a result you have an effective instructional style. Keep up the good work.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Toni,
Good point about how we need to "sell" our content to our students. The more relevance and value they can see in what we are teaching the more engaged they are going to be. Plus it is a lot more fun to teach students that are excited about the course and if we are enthused then then our enthusiasm will spread.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Bonita,
Planned professional development should be an ongoing part of our personal as well as professional growth. Good strategy.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Kim,
It is critical that everyone can hear and we instructors need to check to make sure that this is true for every student, no matter where that individual might be setting.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Kevin,
Colleagues are really helpful in areas like this. They can share their perspectives and then you can integrate their input into your own instructional style development.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
