Dilemma
What does an instructor do if they disagree with the material that is being taught; not the subject matter, but rather the accuracy of the material?
Wendy,
Talking with and learning from a colleague is a wonderful way to grow in the field. Both of you have extensive career experience so you will be able to learn together as well as share your successes. I wish both of you much success in your new career of teaching.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I am a first time teacher, and fortunately, my co-worker and I both have extremely similar past-career experience in the field we are teaching, so that common ground has made for a great foundation for us both....for her to give me ideas on how to be an effective lecturer, and for me to help her organize the hands - on lab time.
I agree, I would like to spend more time observing "seasoned teachers", as I know this would be a great help to me, but unfortunately, this has not happened.
Shirley,
I agree and am a big fan of team teaching. Through sharing and support instructors can give students even wider ranges of experiences as a result of having two different personalities in the class.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I had the privelege of sharing a class on nutrition with another instructor. We did get together before the class started and decided what each of us would be responsible for. In addition to this we both "picked up the pieces" so to speak at different times for each other just to help one another out, such as entering attendance for each other at times and entering grades for each other. Correcting tests, filing,and supporting one another. It was great! Our teaching styles were completely different but we complemented each other. I believe this can be done to the advantage of the students if you both have a positive attitude.
Susan,
The two of you need to sit down and lay out exactly what each person is going to cover. This way you will reduce overlap and conflicting information since each of you will be teaching specific content. You can exchange teaching roles throughout each class session or decide that each person will teach a complete unit. By teaching a unit you are in control of all of the content in a specific time frame and this might work well for the two of you.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
What if you are instructing a course along with another instructor and you both have different methods of teaching, How do you teach without confusing students?
Clint,
In cases like this I prepare a supplemental handout that covers the material as it should be. This way I am not in conflict with my school's standardized material but I know I am giving my students the latest and most accurate content. My students really appreciate the effort I go to to prepare these handouts.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
