I understand exactly what you are saying. Work does not feel like work when you enjoy it!
For the subject I teach mastering the hands on skills is essential. So my teaching style is heavy in hands on and practical lab. To further develop, refine and enhance my instructional style I need to educate myself and implement new styles.
I currently teach a class that can be defined as for Beginners. So I tend to focus on helping the student develop a study plan as well as help them to learn the material. It might be good if I enhanced my instructional style by having more challenging items available for the advanced students to keep them interested. Also to have even more learning objects for the students that are stuggling. In an Online class the students have flexiblity but need discipline to stay on track.
Hi Sean,
Good point about the model aspect. You are setting the bar for your students since they haven't had experience with people from that industry. You are it. This is why being both a model and a manager is critical as the students move through your course.
Gary
I really think the "manager" role is fairly important, just from a logistics point of view...I.e.: haveing all necesary equipment read for the class. The "Role Model" aspect is extremely key especially in the situation where most of my students have had no exposure to the industry.
Hi Brad,
I agree with you about the trial and error method being low on the list. I really like your quote. It really makes sense to me as I think in many cases I am the "other people" as I try new strategies that do not work out near as well as I know they will when I am planning them alone at my desk in the late evening. Once they see the light of day and my students react to them I realize that once again I have learned something and that is not to ever do that again. Truly learning is life long. As they say "Once you get life figured out, then you die". Keep trying and keep observing your teaching peers and you will continue to grow as a professional.
Gary
Hello Dr. Meers,
I have found the most helpful technique has been to observe my teaching peers. Of course there is the trial and error technique....not really my favorite.
"Some of us learn from other people's mistakes and some of us have to be the other people."
Incorporating more group discussion and maybe some jigsaw design exercises to help those students with little experience in the field gain additional insight from student who have a culinary backgroud. Who have seen the sanitation and safety challenge first hand in a resturant.
Hi Liz,
A way to get better organized with all aspects of your teaching is to target one area and then focus on it. Use a check sheet to make sure you have the syllabus completed, handouts prepared, and case studies printed. Once you feel you have control of these areas then move to another area and get everything ready to go. Before long you will have your complete course organized with instructional supports and media resources in place.
Gary
i need to be more organized, better lectures and lesson plans
Hi Christine,
Way to go in projecting a professional image while imparting content. With the development of rapport you are being seen as an expert in your field as well as a educator. It is at this point that as you say the age difference is forgotten.
Gary
I tend to have a more informal style than most. Just as Doris, I also tend to vary the instructional method frequently. Both of these things have helped me bridge the gap between students and myself and have also benefited students who learn in a variety of ways. Being flexible is one thing that has always been important in terms of teaching
I try to adjust to the needs of the students in the class. When there are students with varying abilites and motivation, as well as different learning styles, it is necessary to present the material with a mix of instructional styles and methods in order to enhance the learning experience for each student.
I am also in a similar situation as a young instructor. Some students are put off by this in the beginning, but I've discovered that if I try to develop rapport with them while at the same time showing confidence about my competency in the subject, they tend to forget about the age difference.
Both as a student and an instructor, I have always favored a lecture approach. Since I teach literature this is usually appropriate. However, I have noticed that many of my students respond well to a more hands-on approach. I would like to discover ways to modify my instructional style to provide more learning opportunities for the more tactile learners of my group. Perhaps using more group project activities would encourage participation from those who are less comfortable participating in a lecture/discussion class style.
As far as my actual lecturing goes, I know I could do a better job of slowing down and soliciting feedback from the group. Sometimes I get so enthusiastic about my topic that the class is left behind, and that's never a good thing.
I use technology alot in my classes. It is used to bring current events into the classroom as well as get the right data (pertinent and up to date)to illustrate a point. Having Internet in the classroom is a must, but I find I am using a Learning Management System more and more in the classroom. Setting it all up in a timely fashion is a challege.
Hi Richard,
Great to hear about your excitement. Excitement spreads as you know and I am sure it does from you to your students. This is what keeps the momentum of the class moving forward.
Gary
Often times it is the small things that impact students most. Demonstrate that you care about the student by quickly learning their names and address them by name in class. Smile and greet them even when passing them in the hallways outside of class. Most important of all recognize their accomplishments timely! As a motivator, this is an ongoing challenge for myself. I need to constantly remind myself to do this often.
just being able to interact with students who are excited and enthusiastic about being in class is great. being able to learn methods on instructing them so that it is fun and interactive has been a big help.
Hi Robert,
Good way to keep student involved even though they are working in a lecture content class. The structured outline format helps them to see the progress that is being made and where they need to focus their attention.
Gary
