I think it is essential to refocus our teaching during a quarter, semester, or school year. For those of us who teach the same class over and over, it is important to re-evaluate content and delivery as each quarter goes on. What I find is that every class is different and so I am constantly refocusing to maximize my student's success. It is also much more fun to try new things instead of doing the same old thing every time.
During class lectures when the floor is opened up for discussion, I try to take mental note of what excites students. By taking note, I find it easier to create hands on activities that may engage the students in a later class.
Instructors need to reevaluate and refocus to make sure that they are providing the best instruction possible. Many time we get so focused on our routine and the syllabus that we might lose sight of the fact that our students might be lost or losing interest.
Because it is very easy to lose sight of how difficult it was to learn some of these concepts for the very first time. Also if you teach your subject, as I do, 6 times during the year, you have to mix things up or you'll end up like a human jukebox, spouting off the same stories over and over.
Instructors need to use refocus because, I have found that this not only works in the classroom setting but, it also works in the work setting. Empowered individuals tend to be happier. Thus reduces company turnover and increase student retention in the classroom setting.
Instructors need to take time and "Refocus" so that they are excited about teaching. This excitement and passion for the subject will trickle down to the students.
Teaching and life can wear a person down. It is easy to get used to just throwing information at the students and expecting them to know what to do because they've been doing it all along. However, there may be things to discuss, and there may be students who need a nudge to better understand what they need to do. I know that I have fallen into the "here is your information, good luck" category, and I feel that it is much easier to do when teaching online. Using the REFOCUS process will help both the students and teachers to get back on the same page.
It's easy to loose focus and just go through the motions when your personal life gets busy. When I see my lack of preparedness affecting me ability to give the students what they need, it gives me a reality check.It kicks me back into gear to not only want to provide what they need...but to put the excitement back into their learning experience.
Teaching the same subject in succession can be mentally and emotionally draining. It is important to bring new material and a new focus to the classroom periodically. This will recharge the students as well as the instructor.
By refocusing, you will become enthusiastic in the course again and students will sense the change. I feel both myself and students need to be recharged after half the quarter has past. Once I begin to get into a rut I will step away from powerpoints, regular assignemtns,create learning games, ect...I will take a new avenue to renew a sense of excitement. I feel it is just as important maintain the instructors attention as it is the students.
I believe that recharging you batteries is very a very important step to be a more effective educator. In teaching Culinary arts it is also important to recharge you battieries as you look at the newere trends and problems that face the hospitality industry. I believe that following current trends will help you presentation stay fresh.
Instructors can become stale and monotonous in their teaching. Not only does the instructor need to stay current in his topic but he must also refresh his understanding of teaching techniques just as musicians and athletes must practice and rehearse, instructors must participate in exercises that renew and refresh their skills.
Recharging one's batteries is the key.
I've found that we sometimes get into the usual rut teaching the same courses session after session without even thinking about what we are doing. We all need time to review our course materials and presentations. I try to do this at least once or twice per year so that teaching is fun again and not drudgery.
Teaching should never become monotonous and by reevaluating where you are in the course you are starting over. You can refocus on sections you feel need emphasis and evaluate what went well in the course. A Refocus effort also allows one to take a break and analyze the course.
Well written! I find the hardest part about teaching is get into my students shoes when teaching.
To expand, I think it is important to refocus in everything you do in life. When an activity just start typically there is high energy involved in completion (unless one is forced to do the activity). Once the activity repeats itself after awhile it becomes necessary to realize why you love doing it, look back over the initial instructions to see if you are still executing it correctly and not have put your own 'twist' on it, etc.
Take making dinner for example. Even if you LOVE cooking, after a while, coming home and cooking is a chore and mote activity. So, you have to spend a little time in pre-planning and reminding yourself of what you like about cooking; maybe learn or relearn a new dish/technique.
I said the same think, Kescia! It is so true. Just like any job (in worklife and homelife), after doing it for a while it's good to find the passion again.
Students learn better when the instructor is engaged, passionate about the subject, and clear on the courses learning objectives.
Hi, this is Susan. Cathy, you are right. The students do tend to degress in activity after the midyear. REfocusing does help!
