Seeing myself...
I used to be a combination of Drill Sargent and Socratic when I was a trainer, about 20 years ago, in my other line of work.
Then when I first started teaching at culinary, I was still somewhat of a Drill Sargent, but as the years went by, I honed myself to teach people in a classroom who were of different age groups, life-styles and with different past experiences.
Now I am more of a combination of Socratic and Dead Poets. But at certain times, I think, depending on the situation and the needs, the Drill Sargent comes into play and is effective in situations that require it.
Observing other instructors in their classrooms is a very interesting and valuable tool as you see what to do and what not to do.
We never stop learning and recording yourself teaching is also a great learning tool.
Hi Christy:
In addition to showing you things about the tone of the class, a teaching journal is that it might help reveal items that need improvement in the lesson prior to the next go ‘round. Also, improvements can be made in both what has worked, and what hasn’t.
Regards, Barry
Hi Chelsea:
The nice thing about interacting with other instructors is the likelihood you will gain new ideas to incorporate into your own classes. These new ideas often times end up helping to create a more robust learning environment in your class.
Regards, Barry
I too, have changed from the Drill Sergeant to the Socratic and Dead Poets instructor. I find it vary helpful to take those few seconds durring class to stand back and watch what's happening in the class and with the setting after different sections of lecture or review. Sometimes I will jot down notes or make mental notes as to how I can keep their attention or change the direction of the class material if necessary.
During my MA program I had the opportunity to observe my own previous instructors in their classroom. As I myself was currently teaching my first class observing offered an interesting view of instruction and what makes an instructor good. I have to say the instructors that reach students are the ones that love teaching and love student interaction as much as they love the content.
Hi Bee:
We all have a perception of ourselves. Getting feedback from supervisors, trusted peers, students , self evaluations, and class observations both as an observer and as instructor are good methods to sharpen our focus and zero in on where weaker areas can be strengthened.
Regards, Barry
