What was the question?
Have you ever changed jobs and found yourself on "auto pilot" heading for your old job? Or taking until mid-January to write the correct year on your checks? As instructors I think we sometimes also flip the auto-pilot switch. We need only think back to some classes we had in past years to recognize the huge difference between an interesting, engaging, educational session -- and a 50-minute rote snooze fest. Our greatest assest as teachers is a fresh and everchanging perspective on our subject matter. You should have your syllabus and class notes cleaned at least as often as your teeth.
Auto pilot is great for some days but over any lenght of time you will lose any drive or motovation to improve not only the course but your self.
I agree. Just when I think I am getting my course materials updated, I think of something (often in the middle of a class) that I could add or do differently. It seems I am never 'finished' fixing my courses.
Hi Kim,
Right you are. Auto pilot takes much of the creativity and fun out of teaching. By "reading" the dynamics of the class and students you will be able to react to and customize the course content. Resulting in higher cognitive retention and application by students.
Gary
I don't think that auto pilot is necessarily a good thing. I think that while you are cruising along on auto pilot, you don't realize that there are new trends out there that you might be missing.
This is very true and often overlooked. The auto-pilot thing seems to be thought of as experience instead of a problem.
I like the Auto Piolet model. I am now 30 and I feel that I am at an age where Auto Piolet is great.
Hi Johnny,
Well said!
Gary
