Have used journals for other things to monitor progress in my own techniques over time and avoid repeating mistakes. Never thought to apply this to instruction but it's a perfect match!
Hi Victoria:
You do more like I do. But some like regular journalizing and derive great benefit reading their past notes. However it goes, it all contributes to better classes, and that's all that really matters.
Regards, Barry
I make quick notes along side my prepared class schedule as to how things actually went that I find helpful when I do the class over again. I like the suggestion of journaling a few moments right after the class and will try it. Thanks.
Hi Emily:
I agree this is one of the better techniques that has the potential to improve the delivery of essential class material on a regular basis. It seems like it is very underused as a resource as well. Too bad.
Regards, Barry
Hi Emily:
I agree this is one of the better techniques that has the potential to improve the delivery of essential class material on a regular basis. It seems like it is very underused as a resource as well. Too bad.
Regards, Barry
I think that this discipline may be one of the better ways to actually, term to term, improve my teaching. Often I review my lectures and class structure for a particular day in terms of whether I forgot a particular point or how I "saved" a portion of my lecture by circling back around. If I were to actually analyse my performance immediately, in writing, I would have a concrete basis for adding better, perhaps more creative content into my "same old" class profile. I like the journaling idea rather than computer notes.
Hi Dan:
Whatever works to help you remember ideas and make impovements in your curriculum.
Regards, Barry
I prefer to use online tools such as moodle to help keep me organized in my classes.
Hi Ellen:
Reflection is good for the soul (and the memory). Although it takes time, these "notes to ourselves" can be quite beneficial.
Regards, Barry
Hi Rocco:
Your 'Coffee time" has paid off many times I'm sure!
Regards, Barry
Hi Susan:
You may stay focused and current in the newer ideas that seem to come and go unless we write rhem down. Good technique.
Regards, Barry
This is a great idea! I was always working on improving my classes when was teaching on a regular basis...but I think a journal would keep me much more focused on the things that need immediate attention!
Hi Dr. A:
I agree tracking activites in a journal may help with strengths and weaker areas. I also think it can provide a stimulus for thought, planning ideas for future classes, critique of what seems to work and under what circumstances. Perhaps that's just self reflection with another name. But one thing is it is a valuable and underused resource.
Regards, Barry
While I never kept a teaching journal - which is a very useful strategy - I always reflected on what worked well in class and what I need to change. I call this strategy "having a cup of coffee with myself". It provides me time to determine what I want to continue and where I can improve to benefit students. Also, this practice reminds me what worked well for one group of students may not work well for the next class.
Hi Lisa:
Great message. Really, unless we as teachers use the information we are observing, it hasn't helped anyone. The journal information is for our digestion and creativity.
Regards, Barry
keeping a journal can help an instructor asess what went right and what went wrong during each class. Taking time to reflect on areas that need to be improved, strenghts and student-teacher ineteractions is important in devloping a strong and effective teaching style. And since the student population is always a little different it can help one modify and adjust to their current students.
A journal serves to provide self reflection for an instructor. It offers the opportunity to for an instructor to work on both strengths and weaknesses. I personally believe that self-reflection is essential to success in higher education.
By using a instructional REFLECTIVE journal we can learn from our experiences, connect that knowledge to our instruction... we are able to reach out to our students in diffenent ways
Hi Denise:
Right. Simple, effective, and easy to implemment. I've used note paper added at the place in my curriculum where my "note to myself" comes up. At some point, when the curriculum is updated, I'll incorporate that note into the regular lesson. Using a journal may be a bit more organized - like you mentined, what worked and didn't.
Regards, Barry
Using a teaching journal helps me to remember what worked and what didn't work in the classroom. It helps me to remember points to emphasize and points I need to cover. It also helps me to focus on how to keep students attention so that they can retain the course information longer.
