Seeing what the students have learned and retained. I like to use SOAP notes to help them to remember.
Layovone,
This needs to be done ever so often so we can catch our breath and think about how we are delivering our content. Then we can REFOCUS and come back at an even higher level of enthusiasm for our subject as well as our students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Leah,
Yes it is, but it is also fun. I know I enjoy having the opportunity to attend a professional development function where I get to expand my knowledge and expertise. I then can bring this information back to my students and everyone benefits.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
It has been my experience that an instructor has to evaluate teaching skills and realize that it is time to refocus. Our students change and we can not use the same approach in all of our classes. I experienced this recently and realized that I had to change my lesson plans and activities because they were no longer effective.
Everyone gets to a point where they need some time to REFOCUS. We have to take a look at what we are doing and maybe change it up a little. Our students will get bored if we do the same thing over and over.
This is a time for the instructor to step back/breathe and introduce refreshing new material
As an instructor it is imperative to constantly rejuvinate our classrooms. Our students pick up on our energy and our excitement.
As an instructor you want to have several ways to keep your students excited about learning the career that they have chosen so that they may be successful. By refocusing and trying other ways to keep them interested and motivated is a definite priority.
It is important to refocus because each student has a different attitude towards learning therefor it can become real draining when you have to keep explaining to students what they come to school for. So it's always best to look to why you feel I love with teaching and regain that energy that you once had.
Mary,
Right you are in terms of the demands that instructional preparation and delivery requires of instructors. We need to keep our goals clear in our mind and enjoy the feedback we get from our students when they learn something new and grow in their career development. This is what will help us see that all of our work is worth it.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Teaching can be an emotionally draining job and energy can be wasted if the time is not taken to self evaluate classroom management. Taking the time to look at the positive aspects of the course and how much the students have learned so far can be a motivator to adapt new ways of thinking and learning. Getting to know what motivates the students can be the inspiration for growing in the learning environment and re-energizing the teaching process.
Joseph,
Right you are. Resetting of the brain can help students to get back on task and be ready for the next phase of the class.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Sometimes we just need to refocus on what we are doing. Taking a break allows us to relieve stress from the class room.
Sometimes instructors can lose focus if students don't participate as much as in the beginning, and it is a great way to recharge and refocus.
Andrea,
Well said because at times you will be completely wrung out when you complete a class. The students do dip into your energy bucket so we need to step back and REFOCUS at times to make sure remain at the top of our game.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Being a quality instructor takes a LOT of energy and it can become tiring even for those people who love teaching. Refocusing can help the instructor re-energize and re-connect with those aspects of teaching that are meaninful and rewarding.
Doris,
Many of us have been there over our teaching careers. We need to not become overwhelmed because if we do then we are going to lose our effectiveness with our students. It is a challenge though just as you mention because it seems we having to do so much more with so much less in terms of support and dollars.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Hello Gary,
I am one who at times really needs to "REFOCUS" there have been occasions where I have put so much effort in preparing the students to later have students with low exam scores that it makes me feel mentally exhausted.
Edwin,
Well said and a good reason to do an internal audit ever so often to make that the content is current and the delivery is fresh so the students will be excited about being in the course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Instructors, like a business, should always try to reinvent themselves to stay "fresh and new". Take the knowledge you have forward with new knowledge and new ways of bringing the information to light.
