I am constantly reading up on the new techniques, equipment and procedures that are being used. Talking with people in the field helps me to understand how these things are actually being put to use. Sharing this information with students and listening to their experiences and comments helps me stay updated and keeps the class interested.
We devote the end of classtime to learn any new trends in dentistry that anyone has heard of or read. Our field is constantly improving and changing so we must keep up. The students can then choose from the different topics we discuss, a topic to do a paper on for part of the midterm and final grades.
Makila,
Great idea to listen to your students & borrow those best practices from your peers.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Kimberly,
This definitely is a challenge. Another great way for improving our teaching is to observe some of our peers who are high quality instructors. This also takes time, but can provide some great ideas.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I am always looking for both - whether it's knowledge of the subject or new learning tools I can use in the classroom like articles, video, activities. One great source for both are my peers who teach similar subjects.
Since I also work in the field that I teach, I am usually current technically. In terms of developing my teaching skills, I rely heavily on student feedback. Since they are adults and have usually been in another class before I teach them, they will share suggestions that worked in other classes. Some I can apply their suggestions, some I can't.
What a timely questions! That's been a real challenge recently. I've started reading books and articles more to become aware of what's current in my field and that helps, but it is often done when not at work. AS far as new ways of teaching, I monitor students' responses to efforts and adjust from there.
Brenda,
Great point & I'm glad you're brining it out to your students: learning how to learn. This is one of the greatest gifts of a college education.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Ted,
I agree with you that it can be daunting. Just today I was in a meeting about teacher evaluations & I realized there is a lot of work I need to do, but where to find the time? We have to remember that this is really best for the students.
Dr. Ryan Meers
In the medical field, it is essential that we stay up to date with current technologies and trends. I complete continue education classes that specifically address new treatments and studies in order to continue to grow.
I also teach how it was done in the past, when applicable, because often times it serves as a basis for the newer technologies.
Another concept I try to pass on to my students is that we (in the medical field) go to school to learn how to learn. We continue to learn each day as we work as professionals in the areas of our expertise.
I find this a daunting challenge. I attempt to keep current with teaching topics through continuing education and additional education opportunities as they arise in the clinical setting. Developing new ways of teaching the material includes trying to make presentations of technical information understandable & engaging while providing the skill sets they require to successfully complete clinical skills laboratory excercises and then apply the knowledge & skills in the clinical setting.
School school and more school, that is for me. Thats whats working, after all how can we expect our students to engadge if we are not putting our all and some into it.
mendy ,
You are right it does take a significant investment of our time to stay fresh. But so much better to be that instructor with 25 years of experience rather than 1 year of experience repeated 25 times.
Ryan
Dr. Ryan Meers
I am constantly trying to be a student myself, learning from others and taking refesher courses to stay up to date with trends in my field. It can be a struggle to manage the time, but I do feel it helps me to be a better educator.
keelan,
This is great as it helps demonstrate to your students that you are willing to try new methods & ideas. This prepares them well for the "real world" as they will be more willing to pursue new things.
Ryan
Carter,
That experience is truly vital. And congratulations to you that you are continuing to push yourself as an instructor by engaging in professional development, such as taking this class. As instructors we need to be up to date with our subject matter & with good instructional practice.
Ryan
Although this sounds very simplistic - I feel it is important, when you ask a question of the class - to allow them time to answer, so they feel like they have a voice. Having that little bit of patience can really open up a class to more fruitful discussions.
in the field im in and instructing in we have to be open to new trends and different ideas. i try to watch out to see whats new out there, and bring it back to class and share it with my students and also challenge myself to see if im able to repeat what ive observed by doing it.
For the type of school I teach at, I was required to have at least 3 years professional experience in the field, I have 20.
Since I am a working professional as well as an instructor, I seem to have more trouble carving out personal time.
Fortunately, I teach with a solid group of fellow professionals. Together, I feel we do a great job of learning from and teaching to each other, in addition to interacting with the students.
David,
This is a great strategy. I too like to keep up on my industry & like you said show how the past still applies. Even if we don't know where the latest trend is headed, just talking about it shows our students we are staying up to date.
Ryan
