Hi Anthony,
I would encourage you to follow up on your planned activities. The last one you list is very important because it will help your students see a connection between gen ed and their career courses. It will also give you some great examples of application that you can use in your classes. I wish you much teaching success.
Gary
To consistently do self assessments – we do have an end of course survey – I am speaking ore of written notes that I can reflect back to on what worked and didn’t work. Memory is one thing but actual notation will increase my efficiency and abilities.
Basically, by developing lesson plans and dictating events that happen during the end of class, in order to, prepare for the next class. Also, using as many activities that involve group participation, in helping students stay focused, due to students have short attention spans.
Thanks for the tip about humor. I'm not on the science side of things, but I could see a use for some demonstrations that fit into the course could be worthwhile.
Personally, I think I need to further develop my ability to identify, for myself and my students, the relevance of the general education courses in students' career goals. In my specific school, almost all students tend to discount the general education coursework and see it as a 'necessary evil' to be overcome, if they see it as necessary at all.
I do feel the general education coursework is necessary and valuable, but it does tend to grind away at one's reserves having to constantly remind students that there's more to the education than the career-specific technical ability.
I can probably interact with our core instructors to a greater extent to find more relevance. I can also keep open a dialogue with other general education instructors to stockpile relevant connections between general education classes and core career classes. I might also research into some of the core class techniques and literature to find new connections that might not be brought up by core instructors.
Hi Patrick,
Do the students take the surveys serious since they have to fill them out so often? I haven't heard of them being filled out after each class so I am curious about the outcome. By doing it this way you are getting feedback from each class session.
Thanks.
Gary
Hi Robert,
I know you are going to be successful at reworking your lectures based upon your writing of the responses in the forum. They are focused and interesting. I have enjoyed reading them and learning from the examples you have shared. I wish you the best in all your efforts.
Gary
In our college, we ask students at the end of each class to fill out a survey on the class content, delivery, learning outcomes, etc...
I use those surveys to refine my instructional style
Do you mean books, essays or professional working papers, such as syllabi, etc.?
I do think I need to work on making sure my lectures don't drag on. I know I have a tendency to try to make my lectures all things to all people, in the hope that if any particular student doesn't get a particular point the first time, a second or third anecdote or example or restatement may make the lightbulb go on. I believe I need to work on increasing the *different* techniques I introduce into any particular lecture, so I'm not so dependent on the lecture itself that it grows organically past the point of effectiveness.
After 30 years in the classroom, the thing that has been the most help is reading the work of my colleagues. This helps me review and keep up with new trends.
Hi Cynthia,
By being a good manager you can reduce a lot of stress as an instructor. You don't have to worry about things going well in the class because you will have developed and run off the handouts, laid out the materials for the demonstrations and reviewed the lecture notes. This gives instructors a peace of mind as the class time approaches.
Gary
Hi Ty,
Observation is an excellent way to learn new ways of presenting content. Also by developing your observational skills you will be able to "read" your students better and respond to their changing needs throughout the class phase.
Gary
The role as manager, taking more time in daily set up of topics to be discussed.
Great point Danny. I think that by watching oneself on video really can enhance one's performance.
That's a great way to learn. We have on occasion been asked to observe fellow instructors while they are teaching a class. I found that I can use certain styles I have observed fellow teachers use by the reaction of the students.
I like do demo. Ice carving very dangerous. chain saw very dangerous. I do demo. Student watch me. help them understand how begin ice carving.
Hi Andrea,
You are right about using different styles when delivery instruction. This serves two purposes, meets the different needs of students and helps to keep the instructor excited about the topic. With this combination it is a win win for everyone.
Gary
Hi Ruth,
Student rapport is important for all instructors to establish but adult learners that have been out of school for a period of time really need it to feel comfortable with the new setting they are in. With rapport they know they have a person that cares about their success and that that person will be of help to them. This is why being an instructor is such a great opportunity to help and shape lives.
Gary
Hi Ruth,
Having an understanding of the base knowledge your students have really helps with planning. Your comments about the customizing your instruction from that information are really good because you are student centered in your approach and flexible in your instruction.
Gary
