Change is not a dirty word. Sometimes when I have found myself feeling bored, I have discovered that I could reenergize myself by finding a new approach to an old lesson. No matter what the literature book, they all have basically the same material. However, no one can (or should) teach Walden the same way for 35 years. Having said that, some teachers I have known through the years, do try to keep the same quizzes and tests, the same lectures, and the same old crusty film strips. Wasn't that a tragedy when we lost the film strip projector? Adding technology to English class helped me reenergize. Making PowerPoints is fun--students will even enjoy making PowerPoints of lessons--and change has occurred.
After teaching quater after quater and often the same class, I can see how it could wear a teacher down. I try to change something in each class every quarter so I am not doing the exact same thing over and over. This helps not only to keep me excited about teaching but that excitement also shows through to the studetns who enjoy the class more.
its easy to go off topic if you are not focused on the course content
Hi Nancy,
I like your last sentence. I think it puts instructor enthusiasm into perspective for us. If we are excited they will be excited and learning will be enhanced.
Gary
It is important to "refocus" when you begin to feel the pressure of time constraints or not meeting expecatations. Recognize small accomplishes builds encouragement that success is acheiveable.
Focusing on what needs to be done next fuels enthusiasm. Using the element of surprise can get the students more actively engaged in the learning process.
Hi BJ,
All of the changes and improvements are exciting because you are not sure how they will turn out. This keep your interest high and as a result you will share your excitement with the students.
Gary
When I have found myself needing to refocus, I revamp the course I'm teaching. New information, new Power Points, new assignments. I'm always tweaking my lectures anyhow, trying to find the right combination of information and engaging activities, but a complete overhaul is sometimes what the doctor ordered.
Hi Ricky,
You are so right on this. This is the fun part of starting a new class. Each one is different so we have to make sure we are meeting their needs and adapting our instructional delivery to meet their unique needs.
Gary
Hi Nastassia,
You are right on with your comments. Instructors have to be at the top of their game and all times so they need to continually look for ways to expand their expertise and be creative in their teaching.
Gary
Each new group of students develope their own class personality. As an instuctor, although we are presenting the same material, varying the way we present and emphasize the material will in turn keep us interested and focused.
Instructors need to occasionally take time and "REFOCUS" themselves so that they can refresh. Retaining students can sometimes be a difficult task in which can increase the stress level. By taking time to refocus or refresh allows for increased energy which thereforee can keep the excitement and ethusiasm needed for the class. By having a high level of excitement and ethusiasm will allow for the students to feel just as excited and ethusiastic, which makes the learning process more enjoyable as well as plays a major role in retaining students.
Instructors get discouraged and tired just like the students. Instrucotrs have to keep themselves motivated to inspire studets
Instructors need to take time and REFOCUS for many reasons. One reason is they just get burnt out over time, or had a rough first part of the course. The students could take a lot of energy or what has worked for one class does not work for another class. Maybe the just need to liven things up in the classroom.
Instructoes need to occasionally take time to "REFOCUS" to allow themselves to adjust to the needs and culture of their students. Often students understanding of the subject matter might not been as strong as they need. Therefore, continuing through the course material would not be benefitial to the student. In situations like this, students need to be redirected through refocusing on the core concpets of the course. This ultimatley increases the student's understanding and makes instruction in the class more effective.
Hi Patti,
Right you are about instructor excitement. If we don't bring it to the classroom it isn't going to happen. We must keep this in our minds each time we teach.
Gary
I believe that if the instructor doesn't act like they want to be in the room, or teaching that specific topic, the students will feel the same. Who wants to listen to a lecture from someone that isn't excited about what they are talking about. I feel that the instructor should share their excitement towards their career with the students to help the students feel engaged and excited to start their own careers. Sometimes I have noticed that if one student gets negative, it seems to be contagious. If the instructor can get the students excited again, the students end up learning so much more
By Edwardo Mojena
It’s always important to keep the Educational exciting and new to the students. Why? Because it is what the students strive for to succeed to for in the end result.
I agree with you. When I teach the same class over and over, I find myself not being as excited. I do the same old things over and over. I like having different classes, which is why I try to do so.
We all get burned out. It's important to refresh, try something new and come back with positive energy. Find ways to motivate yourself. Teach the class differently, remember why you wanted to teach in the first place.
Hi Terry,
Right you are about falling into a rut. What are some strategies you use to prevent falling in such ruts? Thanks for you input on this.
Gary
