I agree, I do this continually during the course. I start each class recapping the previous class and asking for input.
You will have to refocus once you get to know your students better. Rarely will you get it right on the first shot. You will need to refocus 90% of the time. IF YOU HAD THE SAME STUDENTS BEFORE AND ARE FAMILIAR WITH THEM THEN YOU SHOULD BE OK AND SHOULD NOT HAVE THE NEED TO REFOCUS.
The repetition and successive classes on a similar topic can easily fall into routine. When routine hits, it is easy to rely on "auto-pilot". By going through the motions, we are doing the students a disservice, as well as ourselves. If we do not keep the material new and fresh, and keep our own energy up, we have very little chance of engaging the students.
Great points Joseph,
Talk about humanity . . . In addition to the "hats" you described above, I'm sure many of us are also sons/daughters, husbands/wives, brothers/sisters, etc. I think the REFOCUS principles can be and need to applied to our everyday lives in and out of the classroom. It will make us better at all we do across the board. I'm sure much of that life enthusiasm and positive force will spill over and add to the classroom experience as well.
Jeff
In addition to being an Instructor, I own a small Graphic Design Studio with 9 artists. This section has helped me rethink how things are run there on a day-to-day. The wheels are turning. Thanks! Goal for tomorrow: How can I make this Monday different from all the rest. Better than the last. Can Friday afternoon end in disappointment due to having to wait for next week's Studio Surprise.
Great segment . . . best Forum-to-date!
Jeff
To bring in a new breath of fresh air to a sometimes stale environment "REFOCUS" helps to systematically identify accomplishments and goals met. Listing them clarifies and aides in empowerment. Once learned material is identified, new unlearned skills and info can be more easily assessed enabling you to focus on what's left and what new goals lie ahead. By formulating and adjusting your remaining objectives you can set a better path forward. Committing to these goals is essential to success.
Instructors sometimes expend too much energy in the pursuit of an unrealistic expectations to perfection which almost guarantees a degree of disappointment which may be felt by students and instructor alike.
Getting the most benefit while expending the least amount of time, effort & energy should be a goal from day one.
The sun rises . . . the sun sets.
Jeff
Hi Marcia,
What are some methods you have used to refocus yourself and get ready to go again as an instructor?
Gary
Itis important to refocus to insure you are meeting the course content objectives and student needs versus personal preferences.
It is important for my students that I motivate them with excitement for the subject. In turn, their understanding and energy reassure my ability as a positive intstructor.
Hi Timothy,
Refocusing really helps to improve the instructional delivery of instructors. By stepping back, gathering thoughts and coming back into to the class energized we can be more effective and supportive of our students.
Gary
I think it is important for all instructors to refocus, it helps us understand our students, continuing to build our rapport with the students, and help us as instructors to refocus on our instructional goals. Over all for the betterment of the student.
Hi Rachel,
Right you about the need to refocus and get the students excited about the course when they start to get worn down. I like your idea of using empowering activities to get their energy level back up so they are ready for home stretch.
Gary
After a certain amount of time, the novelty of a new course wears off as test scores drop, assignments go uncompleted and a routine and familiarity sets in between instructor and students. Instructors should refocus and evaluate how to create more challenging/stimulating lessons that engage students and recapture their attention. Empowering activities are a good idea to reaffirm that student learning has taken place.
Hi "Doc",
Nothing wrong with a walk in the great outdoors to help refresh one's mind. The learning break helps the students to refocus themselves and it does wonders for us as well. The discussion with the students helps them to see what progress they have made and what they need to do next.
Gary
Hi William,
Well said. We need to constantly "read" our students so we can provide the support that is needed when it is needed. This is how we continue to develop as professionals and increase our abilities to meet student expectations.
Gary
Hey Dr. Meers and Class,
I see the efficacy of such an approach for both student and educator. To be certain, we all have those occasions of falling into a slump. I try to be forthright (albeit, censored for content) about the necessity of maintaining the requisite energy to successfully matriculate the class. When the energy wanes, for me or the student, I need to build into my class opportunities to recharge. On some occasions, I simply take my students outside to enjoy the sunshine and then discuss with them all that they have discovered and applied to date in the course.
Later!
DOC (Dr. John Heckman)
Because students and instructors alike have many things going on in their lives other than that paricular class. It doesn't take a catastrophe in someone's life to create a down feeling or a less motivated attitude, just everyday stresses with work, family and social situations affect us all. Keeping ourselves aware that it takes real effort and expertise as an instructor to be cognizant of the many things going on with our students and knowing we have the ability to make positive things come to fruition based on what we do in the classroom. By introspective evaluation we can add life and vigor to the classroom.
The ability to refocus is a must. When you have a lesson plan but are not familiar with your students and their learing styles and needs you must refocus. Think of what worked and what did not and make adjustments accordingly. I know that most of the time I will need to refocus once I get to know the students better and see what needs to be done in order to develope a better relationship with them. This rapport is what will motivate the student to participate more and be more relaxed. Students need to see that the instructor does care about mthem and their education on a personal level.
As an instructor who has taught the same material on a frquent if not continuos basis, I have to remember the view point of my current batch of students. REFOCUS will help me to stay current with my class and try to give them the skills they need to succeed.
Hi Jaclyn,
Written like a true professional. Internal reflection is important for educators so they can continue to develop their skills while evaluating their emotional state. This effort will help with keeping the vision for students as well as the excitement needed for the course content.
Gary
