Learning is a continual process. I hope to never stop learning because things are always changing, especially in the medical and dental field. Keeping up on continuing education courses and focusing in on the topics that are relatied to the subjects that I teach is how I learn about new things. Taking more courses than are required is a good way to do that also.
As I prepare I keep in mind the students in the class. Very early I try to establish a rapport with them individually getting to know a little about them and then as they progress through the class I get to learn thier strenghts, weaknesses and needs and taylor my appraoch accordingly.
Michelle,
this is a great approach & strategy. I'm sure it's vital for you in the fashion world to stay current as fashions seem to change so quickly.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Miyuki,
this is a great strategy & helps demonstrate to our students that we too continue to learn & grow.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Diane,
yes this really is the challenge of college instructors. I think you demonstrate a great balance.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Ariana,
yes, observing others (especially those with more experience) is a great way for us to learn.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I completely agree! Observing other teachers is so helpful in learning alternate methods of presenting material. What a great idea to present questions at the end of a class as a means of reviewing the highlights of the day and making sure that the information was recieved by the students.
I try to find current events that apply to the subject matter. This opens up a time for discussion and helps students see how the knowledge is relavent.
Working in Fashion Design, I keep up with fashion trends so that I can show my students how what they are learning can be used to create things that are hot right now. They have far more enthusiasm and passion for their work when it seems current and on trend to them. I also keep up with trends in other parts of the world with fashion magazines from other countries. Some students find it exciting and cosmopolitan to emulate trendy designs from other cultures. I especially watch street fashion, with which many students really identify.
I read my chapters and research what will be inportant to the students that will enhance their learning goals.
I stay abreast of all the fashion changes ( I teach fashion merchandising)though multiple media, attend webinars and implement them in the classroom.
After I posted my thoughts about this, I considered the "learning" aspect as part of working with students who also have experience in the discipline. Yes, it is possible to learn from each other - this does seem to help us in learning how to better teach!
I vary my professional activities. I teach information technology topics so I do need to keep up with the latest concepts and changes in industry. I share this information whenever appropriate with my students. Regarding improving my teaching skills I take courses such as this one. There is a balancing act as one needs to keep up to date in the discipline that they teach and at the same time develop improved methods for facilitating/teaching.
Ovserving other instructors is a good way to not only learn different ways of teaching a subject but also adding information to my topics that I might have been missing.
Jeremiah,
I think this is a great strategy as it is preparing the students to be active learners.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Lenore ,
I think you make a great point here. While we want to look at & use the newest texts in our field, don't be quick to pitch the old editions, often they still have valuable information.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Florita,
it really is interesting to note how many new methods & ideas we get simply from reading about the latest thoughts/ideas in our fields.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Florita,
I agree that the more we can stay connected with our field & the latest trends the better instructor we will be.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I like to read periodicals related to my professional field and incorporate them into the daily lesson.
