Growing Yourself as a Learning Facilitator
How do you balance the need to learn more about the topics you teach with your need to develop new ways of teaching and your classroom time?
Keeping up with technological progress and the creative process of educating young adults can be overwhelming. Sometimes only one of the two interests can be built upon, just be sure not to forget that both require updating to stay in step with an active and vibrant learning environment. Speak with colleagues, educators of different subjects, check with leadership regarding best practices, and don't be afraid to try something new.
As an instructor at a trade school I am always looking for new course related information. I like to use the internet for my research. New ways of teaching can also be found on the internet.
Julie,
The ability to discuss with a team or group of peers is a great benefit.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Each time I teach a subject, I am able to review current infomation. In addition I have 4 other instructors to discuss best practices with.
Listening and learning about the students is the key.
Chuck,
there are many great resources & forums for sharing ideas, best practices, updates, etc.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Its amazing what one can learn just by paying attention to what is new around you. The internet is a awesome way that I use to keep updated and learn new things about the field I am in. I work with a lot of talented people and I learn new things everyday from students and the people I work with.
Terence,
and this is a great balance to strike between learning more in our field & learning more about effective instruction.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
kellie,
and as we stay fresh & learn new things, so do our students.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Since I am a culinary instructor, I do not find it difficult to find time to learn about food. I learn about food everyday, by eating and also researching. I am addicted to learning, so it never stops. When I have office hours at work, I tend to focus on the logistics of teaching and evaluating students learning.
i thought it was a great course
i agree.. i as an instructor am learning something new everyday..as are the students
Keeping current in my field; having discussion sessions with other faculty; having student share information from their personal perspective because some of them have experience that contributes to student learning.
Ethel,
these are all great ways to stay fresh on both the material & the methodology.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I constantly keep up with news and breakthrough
treatments for various disease and/or disorders. Being in the medical field things are constantly changing, so I attend seminars, invest in new texts, as well as continue my own education. In turn I understand the student aspect on learning as well as my position in teaching. I also keep active in the field that I am teaching in, therefore I am of much benefit to my students. Keeping up with the changes and continuing to work in my field allows me to teach more effectively.
Eric,
taking the time to prepare & plan effectively is key for our teaching improvement.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I try to even the two areas out by allowing time to teach but in different ways.
Mauricio,
this is a great idea as it promotes their ownership & responsibility in the class.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Christie,
and this is a great way to help them see the relevance of the course material to "real life."
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
