Mark,
great points all around. I often say that the best teachers/instructors are those who are eager to be students.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I teach subjects that deal with military doctrine. Doctrine constantly changes based on the environment in which we operate. I have to keep current to be relevant. The basis for my expertise however, does not change. It is my personal experience with the subject mater that also gives me credibility. I'm fully aware though, that I'm not the expert on all that I teach and that there may be those in my student audience who are much more knowledgable than I am. Not only am I willing, I want to learn from them as well so that I can continually improve my lessons.
Time and goal oriented management (Work weekends :-)
I'm always in practice mode, like tuning my skills in sports, the same goes for my classes. It's important to stay up to date, and constantly review material that may no longer apply.
Kristine,
yes, the more time we spend preparing,the more time we really will have for further development.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I think that the first thing that I do to keep on top of things and still have time to learn new content and teaching techniques, is make sure that I have taken the time, way ahead of time if possible, to know the given material, i.e. the textbook, then I can find time to fill in the blanks that I find as well as have time to really listen to my students and try to find new ways to reach them in the classroom. It is always great to learn from other educators what they have done to be successful. There are no brownie points for reinventing the wheel.
Jennifer,
yes, time management both in & out of the classroom is an essential skill for any instructor.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Learn new things about your topics along with your students on occasions, advanced learning style. Make sure that all of your time is not consumed by classroom instruction and preparation. Attend seminars, online training, and workshops when possible.
I keep up with the topics I teach by reading current documents in today environment. I sometimes will bring in these current items into ther classroomand discuss them with the class. I find myself learning from the students perspective many times.
It is my responsibility as an instructor to stay on top of changing industry trends and new research so I'm constantly reading and researching. While in the classroom, I find it best to watch the students' reactions moment by moment and tailor my delivery of the material accordingly. Sometimes that means sparking instant debate so I keep a selection of discussion topics relating to that day's material in the back of my mind.
Time management is essential in having the time to continue my education in my field as well as continuing to refresh my methods in the classroom.
While I am always trying to learn, I also try to adjust my techniques based on the students I am instructing. I have had some classes with several outgoing students. These students tend to take everyone along on the learning trip. On the other hand I have had classes with very few outspoken students. In these classes I have had to adjust my techniques to draw out these students. Each set of students is a new environment that requires a different blend of techniques.
Earle,
these are all great techniques to stay relevant & current. I think this also helps as many students will read "pop" information about the field & the more up to date we are the better we can help them evaluate whether this information is good or not.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I try to keep up on my own reading, subscribe to relevant online newsletters and journals, and am always looking for new material that I can use to make the material more relevant for the students.
doug,
I like the combination you have of staying up to date technically & educationally.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Susan ,
thank you for your comments. This is so true; we do not want to be an instructor who has 1 year of experience repeated 20 times, we want to be an instructor with 20 years of experience.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I constantly read incorporate and CATS and updated course material that helps me to prepare for my course. This means that I have to do my homework so that I am well-informed about the subject that I am presenting.
Our students not only benefit from our knowledge when we are current, it sets the example for them to research for themselves. And this is so important in this day when the info is rapidly changing.
Staying current and learning the latest technological advances by reading and researching helps me. I try to vary the way I lecture, experimenting to see which delivery works best with a particular class.
You always need to change and evolve the way that you teach. I have been teaching for over 5 years and have changed the delivery methods in which I teach numerous times. Often due to the class that I am teaching. You need to make sure that you have to review current material about your topic and introduce different methods of delivery.
