Hi Kelly:
As instructors, we can more efficeintly design lesson plans by looking back at what worked and what didn't.
Regards, Barry
Hi Katherine:
Exactly! Imagine using an ineffective strategy over and over and getting the same unsuccessful student outcomes as a result. That's crazy!
By using a journal, we can keep track throughout the learning session what works and what doesn't so we can revise our teaching style in future sessions.
Regards, Barry
Hi Colleen:
Using a journal can assist the instructor class to class and semester to semester.
It allows the instructor to keep track of what worked and what didn't.
Regards, Barry
Keeping a teaching journal helps me in several ways. Mainly, it keeps me on task and helps to correct myself if I do not achieve the goal for the day. I make note and also suggestions on how I can make sure I reach the goal of the day for the next new class. I often write ideas on changes or updates on my lectures as well.
Hi Donna:
Using a teaching journal may help instructors between teaching sessions by helping to prepare them to use teaching methods more effectively each new class session.
Regards, Barry
Hi Jennifer,
The journal technique you are describing can really assist an instructor to become more effective from teaching session to teaching session.
In addition, strategies that are written down in a journal can be used as resource during brainstorming activities that may happen within the organization you work in.
Regards,
Barry
Hi Helen,
Effective time management is the capstone to success in every endeavor.
In addition to using calendars for managing your time, in the electronic age we live in, many also employ the use of reminder systems that are incorporated into their email systems.
Regards,
Barry
Hi Helen,
In addition, brainstorming of ideas with others may also serve to bring you answers to issues and problems that come up in the classroom.
Another instructor may have an idea that you can try out for yourself. YOU may be that resource for someone else as well.
Regards,
Barry
Hi Helen,
As mentioned before, using several methods in our teaching to address the different types of learning styles is considered a great way of facilitating learning.
By identifying the type of learner your students are and designing activities that support that learning style is an excellent idea!
Regards,
Barry
Hi Creighton:
The benefit will be when you read these pearls at some later date. It's reveal groth and maturity as an instructor.
Regards, Barry
I agree with that. I need to make cheat notes in order to keep up with all the information I want to share with the class. If I had to go on memory alone nothing would get done. I like to tell stories. :)
Donna
I,too,like Arturo find this very interesting. I keep a daily calander with reminders, assignments etc. I would not be difficult to add successes,etc in it as well. I am going to start doing this right away...today.
A teaching journal can help with instructional improvement by providing a written record of what worked well and what did not work well. The instructor can write down each in-class activity and then enter thoughts about what went well with the activity, how students responded, was the activity engaging, fun, too hard, too easy, did students like the activity, how much time did it take, and so forth. The instructor can also include ideas for modifications for the activity to make it better the next time.
This journaling technique can also be used for lectures and class assignments. The same reflections about the lectures and assignments can be entered so that when the instructor gives the lecture or the assignment again, improvements can be made.
Also, the journal can be used to enter the same type of information about field trips and guest speakers. The instructor can refer back to the journal to obtain a written record of the location of the field trip and the name and contact information of the guest speaker.
Indeed! As a newcomer to the teaching field I'm just learning to script my classes. It's fascinating how one class goes as planned but when teaching the exact class later in the day I find myself ten minutes short. Ah, the trials of the rookie! How does one account for the discrepancy in one's journal?
I'm actually looking for suggestions. I come to my teaching position with twenty years of industry experience but teaching is new to me. Please enlighten me. Teach Like Your Hair's on Fire sounds quite interesting!
Are there any books you'd recommend to inspire teachers? I personally loved Teach Like Your Hair's on Fire by Rafe Esquith. Journaling ideas from books like his would certainly come in handy as you progress as an instructor.
This was especially useful for me when something occured in class that was completely unplanned. A student turned the tables on me and asked me a question that put me back in the restaurant position I worked in. As I described how I would have handled the wine question posed with a customer, I noticed the whole class glued to my process. This "happy accident" gave me several ideas on how to engage the class on other issues.
This is a good resource. It can serve as a resource: what worked, what did not work, ideas for the next time, time management. If done immediately, you will have your impressions and feedback to look back on to help improve instruction.
This is a good resource. It can serve as a resource: what worked, what did not work, ideas for the next time, time management. If done immediately, you will have your impressions and feedback to look back on to help improve instruction.
One of the problems I have is deciding how much time it will take to cover a topic. Having a journal will allow me to note this for the next time I teach a particular segment.
