Jodie,
A very comprehensive approach to take in your instructional planning. This way you are reaching out to the students as well as internalizing how you can better deliver your content. This sets up an educational environment that will support all types of learners as well as deliver focused content.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
While taking online courses or additional training for professional development, I think it is equally important to use student feedback to guide instructional style.
At the beginning of my first class, I gave a "What is your learning type" quiz. Each student was able to take the quiz and talk about their learning styles, whether auditory, visually, or kinetic/tactile. Many students were tactile which assisted me in developing the plans to present the information.
After gathering a consensus about learning styles in the classroom, I was able to use the feedback to guide the learning environment and lesson plans. I also asked other instructors for advice and examples on how to instruct a certain subject that I may not be an "expert" in.
I have a constant thirst for knowledge and in many classrooms the learning is reciprocated and I learn a lot as well. It is also best for me to tailor my instructional style based on the environment of the classroom. Always be aware of the students and if they are able to provide clear concise responses when asked questions on subject content, then the instructional style works for that particular population.
Marc,
This is how your professional growth is going to occur. You are going to expand your skills sets as a learning leader and become an instructor of merit by following these strategies.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Through appropriate self assessment, in-service, and seminars are going to be beneficial for me to enhance my instructional style.
Elida,
I agree with you. This is what "sells" the course and adds value to the content.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Bonnie,
It is great that you were able to receive professional development from these individuals. Sounds like you are enjoying your teaching and feel confident with your skills. This is a major part of what teaching is about.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Lacey,
You are on the right track with this attitude and desire to help your students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Allison,
You have a great attitude to make all of these goals come alive for your students. Having passions for your field as you do goes a long way in helping your students to see the value of what you are teaching. Then having enthusiasm for teaching about the subject will keep them engaged. I wish you much success as you impact the lives of your students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I strongly believe in showing enthusiasm and adding a littler bit of personal experience help keep the class attentive.
The instiution that I work for has provied me with training from two wonderful women that come from the public school system. We are a medical school and hands-on is very essential. I was able to gain so much knowledge about the hands-on to teaching aspect and how it will help students with different learning styles and education.
My technique is to have a positive attitude and show sincere interest in the subjects. Students will adapt and participate if they feel a good vibe in the classroom.
I am a new instructor, but I have taught training classes for my previous employer. I have a passion for being a pharmacy technician and I hope to be able to bring that passion into my classroom by using open discussion, hands on learning, interaction, and creativity. My desire is to keep things interesting and stimulating to my students.
Lee-Ellen,
This is a good opportunity for professional development. It shows your school values well prepared faculty and is working to help the faculty to continue to grow in expertise.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
My school has quarterly faculty meetings. However, they are held on Fridays and I teach on Fridays. I compensate for this by obtaining the info presented through other instructors. Specific to my curriculum, though, I go to the educators portion of my professional association. They provide some free CEUs and feedback and support is available through them.
Lisa,
Can you list some of the types of courses you might take for professional development?
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Take further online training courses.
Rochelle,
You are on the right track with your real life examples. Something you might want to explore would be the use of case studies. I use them a lot in class because the students really like to read case studies, propose solutions and then see if their solutions fit how the problem was resolved. The mystery of it appeals to them.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I am a first year teacher and quite frankly I am still trying to explore different ways by which to keep my students interested and motivated. I sometimes try to bring real life experiences and current news regarding the topic. I have found that it helps the student to think of the information in a more useful manner. However, I am open to suggestions?
A few other things you can try. Maybe watch some other teachers and see what styles they may use that are effective. Or not so effective.
You can attend educational conferences and learn from more experienced instructors.
