For me it is a combination of wanting to keep the material fresh, to challenge myself to continue to find ways to present the material more effectively and making sure that I am teaching the material the best way possible for the current group of students.
Hi Debra,
Excellent point. Instructors have feelings to. By supporting and encouraging them they find the strength to keep going back into the classroom/lab and make a difference in the lives of their students.
Gary
Occasionally, I hear the same complaint, and it usually starts with "these students.....or why can't student read the course expectations?" Although, many instructors find their jobs rewarding, it can be stressfull to in instructor when the class is riddled with "problem students" as I hear them referred to. After a while, it take a toll on you. So, not only as an administrator do we want to assist in retention efforts of the students, it is always to be aware that instructors need support and a boost every now and again to remember why they are in this business and how many successful graduates they helped to get their.
After teaching a class several times you can get too comfortable, sometimes out of need as your time and energy may have to be directed to new classes you are prepping. Not evaluating your practices may be rut, it may be survival.
I think we all have a tendency to get involved in what we are thinking and doing, instead of really analyzing what it is we are doing. We have the greatest gift that anyone could give - education! We offering students information and knowledge that they will not receive in the same manner anywhere else. They can read the same books, see the same powerpoint presentations, but it will not be the same if the instructor becomes part of the instruction. Realizing this and taking the role of the student to see how you, as an instructor are doing (right or wrong) - it's a fascinating idea!
we sometimes get complacent because of the repetitious nature of the class. It is important to keep class discussions fresh and exciting for the students to ensure they are constantly learning at the highest level. Refocusing allows us to renergize ourselves and our lectures so the students benefit at the highest level
Hi Graham,
You make a very good point about the need to REFOCUS as an instructor. What are some strategies that you use to help you get excited about the other half of the course?
Gary
After teaching the same class for any length of time, I start to see time frame patterns for focus loss. It usually occurs just past half way through for my class. This can sometimes include myself. If i don't step back and take an introspective look into my delivery, I risk "losing the class"
I find many times after teaching a class multiple times that it just becomes easy, and I become complacent. To re-write the class lectures, projects, and inclass assignments, and asking the students what types of things they are interested in learning, it not only renengizes me, but gives the students a feeling of empowerment.
Hi Matt,
Your last point is a good one. With both the instructor and students interested then learning really cranks up. This is what I love about teaching we get to be creative over and over again even when teaching the same course. I strive to do a different activity each time I teach the course and I always look forward to seeing how the activity turns out. I never know if it is going to be successful or not even with all of my planning. The mystery helps me to be excited about the course.
Gary
Hi Seth,
Great example of why we need to REFOCUS at times in all parts of our personal and professional lives. If we don't we are going to lose the spark that keeps the excitement in our delivery and dedication to our students.
Gary
Hi John,
You make a good point and have outlined a good strategy for overcoming the blahs of mid-course. Think about ways you can revisit the assignments to spark interest and have fun with the content. The students know some about the topics from having been through them already, this second time it will be to hammer the content in for maximum retention.
Gary
I do this every week, sometimes daily. I need to know if what I am teaching is worthwhile and the students are learning. I reflected on how the class went and concerns that may have developed. I stayed late to answer the student’s specific questions.
Upon reflection it appears that I need to refocus the class and go though the assignments again. Especially some assignments most students indicated they understood but I am finding out they did not.
The upcoming class is going to take more energy than anticiapted but I developed a plan to make sure the students are refocused for learning.
Instructors need to REFOCUS because, most often than not, "things" don't go according to plan. Our goals and plans for the course are set before we even know our students and their learning needs and abilities. Outside influences often sidetrack our attention and we can get off track. It's always good to have a fresh start...even if it is with the same group of learners. (Why do couples have a second honeymoon, re-new their vows?) REFOCUS activities help the instructor maintain control as the manager of the learning process.
If I don't REFOCUS, I can easily fall into a routine and not even realize that my classes aren't as lively and engaging as they should be. This is especially important if I've been teaching the same class for some time. A change in assignments, activities, etc. keeps me on my toes, which in turn makes the class more interesting to the students.
I really liked the triage analogy. It's a good way to help prioritize!
Instructors get burnt out doing the same lesson over and over, you need to constantly look at the material and try to add new information, new ideas, new ways of presenting the same idea. New keeps it interesting to you and the student
gives the instructor an opportunity to view a subjective situation (themselves teaching) in a more objective way - it offers a chance to change what is not working and evaluate and strengthen what is working
Hi Chad,
I am sure you are right. I ask to teach other courses at times just so I can take a fresh approach to new material. Another goal I set for myself is to always introduce a new activity, strategy or project to my courses. This way I can be creative and stay energetic for the course and not let it be routine.
Gary
This is such a good point. We all can fall into a rut once in awhile and it is important that we recognize this.
We need to incorporate different ways of doing things in the classroom to keep our students engaged and learning. We need to call on our students for input so that we don't keep doing the same things over and over again.
If we change how we do things in the classroom it also helps to keep things fresh for the instructor. I find if I don't switch things up once in awhile I am not as engaging in the classroom.
