As instructors we can find ourselves in a rut. We have taught the same course many times and in becomes routine. By using REFOCUS we can recharge ourselves and become better instructors.
very true, we must be focused and on top of our game at all times. That way we set up our students for success.
We are usually caught up in the day-to-day logistics (and the occasional politics) of our classes/jobs that we sometimes lose track of the ultimate objective: a successful outcome for each and every student so that they will have a productive career after school.
When we "REFOCUS", it helps us remember and adjust our daily activities so that we become effective and we achieve successful outcomes for our students.
It is easy for students to loose site of what they are learning by the midterm, but in my class we do our design boards for our final projects. This gets the focus on what the student can do with what they have already learned and keeps them excited and ready to go on their own original designs for their final project.
Students, as well as the instuctor can get bored with the materials they are covering so things need to be spiced up a little to keep everyone interested and learning.
Sometimes you just need a break to rejuvenate yourself; we have breaks after each term and I enjoy the time off with my family. I usually come back refreshed and ready to go; so many of us do get more breaks and vacations than many working professionals.
By taking time to REFOCUS, I put he zest back into to perspective, students tend to pick up on that and feed off our possitive energy.
It is hard to stay fresh when you are teaching the same subject over and over again; the tendency is to think you know it like the back of your hand and go in and deliver it like you always do; this is not acceptable and cheats your students; you are an expert in the subject matter and accordingly you should be reading and researching new developments in your field; you then can freshen up your stories; and also your passion for the subject and for teaching.
Students tend to tire of the material and the class once the newness has worn off. If the instructor can bring some change and excitement to the class, it can help regenerate student interest and help the instructor get excited again as well.
Dr. Meers:
Sometimes, after teaching a class a few times, we as professors can become complacent about the class. Refocusing helps to avoid that
To refocus, helps us look at the material again, and sort through some of the material that we assume that the students already know. Stepping back and learning to teach the basics of the topic each qtr. is important.
It's easy for all of us to get in a rut, take things for granted, and get complacent in all aspects of life. To REFOCUS is a great way to get that "SPARK" back and reenergize in all we do and people around us pick up on and feed off of our ZEST. With that comes renewed enthusiasm to learn and excel. The trick is seeing that you need to in the first place.
Hi Lola,
What are some things that you do to get excited about the last half of the course? What do you do with your students to get them ramped back up to be excited about the course?
Gary
If an instructor is reaching a mid-term "crisis" and begins to lack the energy and enthusiasm for the course, students will follow suit and perhaps disengage in the learning process. In my experience as a student, this begins to happen when instructors have followed the same routine in the class for too long. It is difficult to feel enthusiam for new information when the instructor has become bored with the topic or their own delivery.
Hi Sue,
Part of how your students are responding can be due to the composition of the class. As you know class dynamics change quickly based upon how a group of students come together that course phase. Can you use case studies with them. With case studies you can have them work alone or in groups. Since you have a class that prefers to work alone then you can have them work on the case studies and then report out on their conclusions. This way they share with other students but don't have to work with them on the case study.
Gary
It is important to refocus and avoid getting burned out - I found this module quite helpful.
Your point about things that you have tried in the past that worked well aren't working so well this quarter-- I am having a similar situation and am realizing how much difference the mix of students can make to the classroom. I also am having similar grumblings about wanting to work alone at times instead of in pairs or groups. The long evening class period is tough to keep students awake and interested. I do throw in a few short fun activities (such as Brain Yoga - to get the blood flowing to the brain) and others. Some students think this is stupid but most get a kick out of it and this gives them something in common and they seem more apt to feel comfortable working in pairs or groups.
I found the module on REFOCUS interesting as we are approaching week 6 of 12. I have found that some of the creative instruction I have used with past classes aren't working as well in this qtr. I have always taken pride in my hands on learning approach and strive to keep the student engaged. I am wondering if I'm not presenting it as well as I had in past classes or if the students aren't buying into the activities as much. They tend to like activities that they work on alone. this is an 4 hour evening class and by 9:00pm I need to do something exciting or I will lose them for sure
Hi Brenda,
These other forms of grade input is good since it provides students with alternatives for gaining points plus it lets them know where they are in the course.
Gary
In the online world the midterm is a great way to see where the students are at but I also find that I like having mini quizzes on smaller material knowledge so that it is not as overwhelming as a full quiz. Also gives the student a chance to maintain their grade so if they have an off day and do poorly on the quiz it is not worth as many points.
