allow the learning process to go in both directions
When i allow the students to teach me, they have more confidence, are more positive in attitude, and i learn something which makes me better as an instructor.
Hi Stacey,
You are being flexible in your approach to teaching as evidenced by your forum comments. By giving examples and letting your students see how others have reached a successful conclusion you are helping to develop their problem solving skills. The development of these skills is critical since problem solving skills are at the top of the list in terms of what employers want.
Gary
I couldn't agree more and to think otherwise would be foolish. My ego is always in check around my students because they come in with some great ideas about the items that we are working on. They bring their own experience to the table which is great and occasionally they just come up with a way to do something that doesn't necessarily follow the demo exactly but the product still turns out nice. Then if I see that another student is struggling I can offer them an alternative method because what works for one person doesn't always click with another.
I definitely think that allowing students to teach not only the instructor something new but other students in the class is very empowering. I encourage students to bring in new techniques that the see used on the web so that we can use them as learning experiences in class. Sometimes they will bring examples of things that I may not know for sure how to do. I think have a teacher be able to say "I'm not sure" sometimes is good for the students to hear because it lets them know that they aren't alone in not knowing answers sometimes. Although after saying I'm not sure it's best to try to find out the answer. I often do this in with the class to show them how to problem solve. I use these opportunities to show the students how to use the internet as a resource.
Hi Darren,
That is right. Students think sometimes that by being the teacher we don't have to learn anymore. If they only knew that by being the teacher we have to learn way more than we ever did as a student.
Gary
when we stop learning it is time to pick a different profession.
Hi Jose,
Sometimes your students are your greatest resources. You make a good point about using them as knowledge sources when possible.
Gary
AGREE, KEEPING AN OPEN MIND AND UNDERSTANDING THAT THERE IS A LOT OF INFORMATION AND KNOWLEDGE THAT YOU AS AN INSTRUCTOR WILL BE TEACHING YOUR STUDENTS BUT ALSO KNOWING THAT THERE IS A LOT YOU CAN LEARN FROM YOUR STUDENTS IT CREATES A BALANCED TEACHING ENVIRONMENT SPECIALLY WHEN THEY FEEL THEY'RE CONTRIBUTING TO ENHANCE YOUR TEACHING SKILLS FOR THEIR OWN BENEFIT.
Hi Jason,
Good method of keeping the pulse of your students plus having them so involved. As you say it is win, win for everyone.
Gary
I too challenge the students to bring their passions into the class and route it in my daily plans. When they have a topic that is relevant I have them orderly detail the subject then present it to the rest of the class.I tend to find myself thinking quite differently than the students and this information lets me observe their thoughts on important topics. I learn from this and adjust myself to keep their interest. This makes the students happy and want to participate more. Win Win situation!
Donald,
I could not agree more. I have heard it that the individual who learns the most in any class is the instructor. Have you found this to be the case?
I agree with you. I try each day to learn something. I have told my students on several occasions that they will continue learning all thru life and that they should always be open to new things and new ways. I tell them when I learn something from them so they know they tought me something.We should all be open to learn something new every day.
I agreed, I like having students show and explain a demo after I recognize they are confident about what they are doing. I learn in that sometimes out of being familiar with the subject I have left very small details out.
I agree, I have always told my students that learning is a two way syreet. I give them ample oppertunities to rise to the roll of teacher while in class.
Its always positive to learn from your students, while you are teaching them! WIN-WIN!
I tell my students that are things that they know that I do not. I tell them that this is because their experiences are different than mine. I make sure that they understand that while I have a lot more experience than they do, I still have a lot to learn.
It is very important that an instructor creates assignments that allow the students to be a "teacher" in the learning process. When given this opportunity, the students study the material carefully and are confident in discussing it.
Donald
I find that no matter how many students I teach, their are things that they can teach me.
When I stop learning, they stop learning.
D Hayes
