In what I am teaching , the courses are very hands on .I am teaching culinary art .
I put a lot of energy , dynamism in my demos and
going through the course.
I believe we have to be the role model, we have to show motivation all the time,as well as interaction with them.We have to make them willing to come to class everyday by making the class interesting and fun.They have to grasp to the subject and the hands on part is taking part in this matter to be able to make them more confident with the subject and showing them that they have to challenge themselves quite often because the daily life in a professional kitchen is a big challenge. Communicating with them and knowing them is important as well to set them up for success. 110 % rule, hard work always pays off.
You are so right. Just be your self.
Seeking out feedback from students and peers
Staying abreast of changes in curriculum
Being aware of students competency and satisfaction with materials presented
My instructional style is ever changing as i get a feel the group that i am talking to.I am more of storyteller. I do give life examples to convey messages.
I take a lot more chances and vary methods more with open minded groups
Communication is the key for online learning. Making sure adequate feedback is given on homework assessments in a timely manner is vital to the learning outcomes. Also, responding to student emails and discussions is important.
Another area is the technology that is given to me as an instructor. Each online university has a different platform (or a variation to a platform I use), and understanding how that technology works is important. For example, the use of Pronto through Blackboard is something I have never run into as an instructor. It will be great to have instant message capability with my students.
Hi Nathan,
Good suggestions on how to bring variety to the classroom. Students' brains need variety to keep engaged plus different approaches help to appeal to their learning preferences. Keep trying out different deliveries and not only will you appeal more to the learning needs of your students these efforts will help to keep you excited about your content as well.
Gary
demos-hands on- and instructions steps by steps with critics at the presentation (always positive) chef daniel
Great question. I can study different instructional techniques and then practice some on my own before trying them in the classroom. I could also try to effectively teach to all the different learning styles of the students in my class. I could mix up my teaching to include some lecture for the auditory learners, some hands on with visual examples for the visual learners, etc. I think doing these things could certainly enhance my instructional style.
Sincerely,
Nathan Foster
Hi Patricia,
Not only do you bring a wealth of experience to the setting you have experience in dealing with all types of personalities. You can't have been in a nursing setting for all these years without having learned to handle all types of people in all types of situations that involve stress. Bringing this to the instructional setting you are truly training the next generation of health care professionals in such as way that they will have extensive knowledge and skills. Keep up the good work.
Gary
I am a clinical instructor for nursing students and what helps me most is being able to get to know the students individually so I can identify their strengths, weaknesses and individual needs. Perhaps this is a legacy from being a nurse of 37 yrs, but as I begin to know each student individually, I am better able to teach concepts and skills in "their" unique language. In this setting I tend to think of myself more as a "coach" who identifies the potential of each student and individualizes a "care plan" in order to better develop their skills.
I have taught in larger classroom settings, and while I don't mind doing this, I recognize it requires a different set of skills. I tend to find myself more anxious in this setting and since I have a quick wit and keen sense of humor I tend to rely on these abilities to create a bond with the class. Humor has served me well in the classroom, but I would like to be sure I'm not overusing it for my own comfort needs. In the future when I am in a more formal setting, perhaps it would be useful to have a peer instructor present to observe and give me a more objective evaluation and critique of my instructional style in the larger classroom setting.
Hi Kate,
What are the methods you have found to be most effective in keeping your students engaged?
Gary
Hi Darlene,
You are "demonstrating" the key elements of a dedicated professional educator. Using the demonstration model of teaching is an excellent way to not only tell but show the students what they need to be learning. Also, your open caring attitude really helps to support the students and their success. Keep up the good work.
Gary
I agree that communication is very important. I also try to vary my instructional style to keep the students engaged.
Being a registered nurse, I have found that over the years in my professional practice that I have had great success with small groups in demonstration settings. This works best as it helps to not only visualize the proper skills applied but it also validates the correct approach and skill necessary. Students appreceiate demonstration as an instructional style because they feel a part of the learning process, while feeling confident when applying the skills themselves. During this phase I can open myself for any concerns or questions in the clinical instruction setting. I find that a caring and open personality works best, while giving encouragement to my students.
Hi Jan,
Good plan for professional development. I really like your last point about listing the attributes and then deciding on which ones to refine. This way you have a manageable strategy for positive growth and improvement.
Gary
Hi James,
Reflective teaching is when you recall an experience or situation and then create a context for the reflection. Generally in recalling the experience or situation the action takes in considered and then evaluated in relation to outcomes. This method of teaching works well with higher level students that are about to complete their training. The reflection, consideration and evaluation process is used to help students transfer their knowledge and thinking to other situations or the big picture type of thinking. With more and more of these experiences behind them the students are better prepared to problem solve when they are out on their own.
Gary
Techniques I can use to improve my instructional style include gaining knowledge on my students learning styles. Assessing my students needs will give me insight in how I can adjust my teaching approaches meet the student needs. Another technique could include writing down both positive and negative attributes and choose one to refine.
What is reflective teaching?
Hi Carolyn,
This type of personal assessment is what helps you to grow professionally. Keep looking for those ways that you can expand your abilities as an educator and you will continue to offer your students instruction that is of the highest quality.
Gary
