To relieve stress from thinking too hard and to get back in a straight and simple path you may have led yourself off of
Refocussing allows instructors to remind themselves of what excites them about teaching. Sometimes instructors forget to stop and pat themselves on the back. This is a good way to remind themselves that they make a huge difference in people's lives every day.
I manage a group of instructors, I wonder if there's more that I can do to encourage them to "refocus' themselves in the middle of each session. Any ideas?
Amanda,
This are fun things to do. We did this in Kindergarten why can't we do this with adults. Adults are just taller children in many ways.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I also really like the idea of taking walks. I think it is a great way to refocus everyone including myself. It also gives them a chance to take a mental break without leaving class. Sometimes it's difficult to refocus a class after a 10 minute break. I think keeping the class together and incorporating the lecture into the walk is a great way to reenergize the class.
MaryAnn,
You make two very important points and I think they need to be remembered by all instructors as they approach their classes. As you say each class is different. I just completed teaching five sections of the same course and each class was different in personality and interaction. The good part about this is that each section of the class was different enough that I did not have to worry about running the classes together and forgetting what I told what section. These differences helped me to stay fresh and enjoy each unique section of the course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I think there several reasons, but I am going to focus on two that I have dealt with myself. One, you can get a challenge class with various and difficult personalities and what you typically do, just doesn't work for that particular class. As an instructor, you need to recognize that this can happen and be willing to REFOCUS for that class. Second, there are some courses that the content material is necessary, but often very boring to the students...depending on the personalities in that particular class, you will need to make adjusts and REFOCUS on how you present the content, and the steps explained in this class are perfect for that scenario!!!!
Maria,
Try something new and different. Think about how you have presented a topic and then consider how you might present the information in a different way or through a different format. This will get your creative juices flowing and you will get as excited as your students as you share the content with them. This will generate renewed enthusiasm on your part and increased motivation for your students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Can you give me some ideas on how to refocus.
At times the instructional material can become stale and boring. It is then time to learn new information to share withe students. This will create excitement that they will appreciate. There is the additional benefit that you will learn something new about your field. This technique keeps me energized.
Donna,
Good advice for all instructors to remember. We need to be excited about teaching our content each time we step into a classroom or lab. If we aren't it is for sure our students won't be.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
If using the same information, lectures etc. will no doubt bore your students so of course you will be bored also. In creating new ideas for the students, you will find yourself getting back in the game as well.
Cindy,
Thank you for sharing your success with us. Hearing this is what excites me about how we are helping to increase the engagement of students and raise the energy of instructors like yourself. This is a win win situation. I wish you much continued success.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Doing this online course has reminded me of how important it is to refocus. I have been applying some of the recommendations all week. It is making class time more fun and less stale. The students are feeding off of my energy.
William,
Neither do I. Well said in terms of the preparation and approach we need to make as we share content with our students. If we are to be learning leaders we need to reflect our dedication and preparation to our content.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I have no desire to sit through a seminar where the facilitator is just going through the motions…neither do our students. I believe the self reflection necessary to get you to the point of REFOCUS could be a difficult but worthwhile journey.
By refocusing an instructor can bring a fresh outlook on the subject. Reflection is often a great way to "re-enhance" the learning environment.
Certainly because burn-out is real, because not every class proceeds as planned, and because each class has unique challenges which may not always be anticipated by the instructor---challenges can always occur.
Cynthia,
This is a most worthwhile activity because it as you mention is an opportunity to make any needed adjustments to keep the course on target and the students engaged. This can be a very positive experience for everyone which results in the second part of the course being even more valuable to the students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Midway through the course is a point at our school when instructors must provide mid-course evaluations to students. It's a good time to look back on the class objectives and syllabus to see what has been accomplished in the class and what has not. If the class motivation is lacking it seems like the attitude is "let's just get this class over with."
Sarah,
This is how student engagement is created. You are reading your students and then making adjustments as needed to keep them engaged and moving forward in the learning process.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
