I will use mini-lectures followed by demonstrations and/or Q&A times. I will incorporate more of the 4 learning styles into each class period. I do very well with the trial & error, observation, and doing ways of learning.
Hi Jean,
Thank you for you input on the subject of instructional development and change. You are right about the need to embrace change rather than fight it. The key is to develop an understanding of what the change is and how it will impact the learning process. A few years ago when PowerPoint was introduced to education people jumped on the use of it, and it became the medium of instruction rather than just a tool to be used in instruction. A PP presentation is an additional tool to be used but the instructor is still the key to unlocking the knowledge that is being shared. This is why they still needs us. If not we would have been replaced by machines years ago. We bring the human factor to the classroom which is essential to the learning process.
Gary
Our instructional style is primarily lecture/discussion with no labs involved (a human body course). Handing out lecture outlines (partially completed so the student has to stay engaged) helps the student organize the large body of factual material they need to learn.
The question appears to me truly just as it is written; three-pronged.
Development, refinement and enhancement advances come together in the process of instructing, learning from the pupils and peers, and being proactive in really knowing the subject matter and how these characteristics are manifested in the life-long process of "becoming." I, like my students, must embrace the philosophy of understanding that I must change as life presents its changes to me and in the handling and managing of such. The passion of teaching increases beyond the sum of development, refinement, and enhancement. I believe synergy emerges and continues to develop beyond the speed of embracing any one technique, idea or model. Thus, it is my belief the motivator component continues to grow. The techniques reflect their past, thus contributing to new techniques which truly morph themselves based upon themselves. Does this approach seem applicable to you?
I also assume I know nothing about my students at the outset of class, which leaves me wide open to their knowledge without any cognitive schemata.
I also was inspired by some of my college teachers. I decided to go into teaching because I enjoy passing on the knowledge I've acquired through out the years
You can reflect on your past and identify those traits of your past instructors to develop and refine your instructional style.
You can further develop your style by learning more about your subject and developing newer approaches to motivate your students to learn.
You can also observe your colleagues in classes and get to learn the culture at the school. Ask others what has worked for them and share with them what you are doing.
I believe it is vital to exhibit and role model the skills being asked of the students. I am on time, am organized, and greet each student as they come into the classroom. My addendum to the syllabi are very detailed so the students know what is expected of them on a daily/weekly basis. I use rubrics often as a grading tool, and hand out the rubric to the students so they know what is expected of them.
During the first day of a new class I ask the students to write answers to some questions I ask. These help me understand what the student wants out of the class, how the student learns best, and how busy the students' life is as a whole. I believe this helps me to work with each student more effectively.
Hi Elise,
Great professional development plan. You are at a point in your teaching career that you can have fun with developing additional ways of presenting dynamic and exciting lectures while influencing the success of your students.
Gary
I took a course in Critical Reflection for Teachers several years before I became an instructor. Essentially the process is similar to life review-applied to the teaching process. The facilitator (and author) Stephen Brookfield practiced all three "M"s: Model, Manager and Motivator. I try to emulate his delivery in my own classes.
When I attend a conference, lecture or class as a student, I identify the styles that make me comfortable and confident as a student. I try to adapt them to my personality and subject matter for use in my own classroom.
I have been considering adding roll playing
scenarios to our Automotive Servicing Writing
class. The students are young, 18-23.
They are rather shy to play this as they have never experienced some of these issues.
They did see a Ford training film of this subject.
Now I need to motivate them.
Tough going with this subject.
Al
Hi Deborah,
The use of supplemental and current material is really appreciated by students as you well know. They can see that you are working to stay current and this knowledge really helps them to develop respect for you and what you are doing.
Gary
Hi Cara,
Good point and good strategy. Instructors have to be very creative and flexible in their delivery if they are going to reach all of the diverse learners in their classes.
Gary
Hi Chiarina,
Good point about using student feedback as a way of maintaining high standards and expectations. This is an effective way increase the effectiveness of your instruction.
Gary
I believe the use of additional materials related to current literature and practice are important in developing a style that says "I myself keep current ". Also self assessment on a continoous basis is important to the development of individual style and to future changes that could improve style
By knowing my students I can taylor the way I teach to best reach them. Sometimes they need more positive reinforcement or they may need a tough love response. The age and maturity of the students can greatly affect the way I teach
Hi, Chiarina. I, too, believe in faculty mentors. In fact, I have been involved in a group that delivered assistance to new instructors. It was very rewarding, yet inspiring at the same time. I agree; we can learn from other colleagues, as well as from our students, to help deliver content using methods that are relevant to them. Best, Carol
I feel my teaching has to change with my students. Whether your teaching 18 year olds or the the forty year old students you must reach them and adjust to the way they enjoy learning. Sometimes my class will have more discussions or videos. The point of the class is to keep everybody engaged
I combine powerpoint presentations with discussion and actually experience. The powerpoints insure the text is covered, discussion involves students and actual experience is interaction relating course content to business.
A self-assessment coupled with knowledge of my resources/faculty mentors would be a start. Flexibility in certain situations, whether in a classroom or during practicum may also be a key factor in delivering instruction. I would also pay close attention to formal or informal student feedback while maintaining high standards and expectations.
I know from past experience that working hands-on with my subject and giving rather short but explicit lectures works best. It has generated the most enthusiasm from students and has garnered the best results from them. "One picture is worth a thousand words!"
