I like to engage the students with group activities. I also think that it is important to change things up in the class. If you are teaching a 4 hour block then you need to mix things up a bit. I like to lecture then do a hands on activitie then maybe go back to lecture. I like to have a plan for the class but may wavier from it. I like to let the students have input as to what they want out of the class.
I need to be a little soffter with the students on the first week. Instead of pushing them so early, I need to just watch how they are doing, correct some minor mistakes, and see how they work as a team. I need to develope a better repour with the students at first but not being some rigid.
It's important to utilize technology to enhance your instructional style.
Sharing projects has proved beneficial for me as well. It illustrates to the student how the classroom work can be used in their actual career.
I agree with your suggestions Paul. I also teach computer science courses at a Career College. Hands-on labs really benefit the student involvement level.
Milinda
One of the key areas that could be refined or developed is the connection with fellow colleagues. Peers tend to be an untapped resource in the development of my instructional style. Gaining input from them as well as observing the techniques they utilize would be of great value. I value their opinion in content area but forget to inquire about instructional style.
I agree with that, if the feedback is honest and objective.
The biggest challege in teaching math to career college students is as follows:
Many of my students are returning adults that chose to obtain training for a career change. They have been away from fundamental math concepts (such as fractions, decimals, and percents) for many years, and have forgotten how to deal with these terms. I need to familiarize them with these areas in a short time so they can move on to the rest of their courses.
Many times the students haven't taken appropriate background courses, or have forgotten what they have already learned.
It can be a challege to teach math concepts to students who have had math fears for many years.
Helping them "learn to learn" is enjoyable. It always pleases me to see the students when the "light bulb" comes on, and they realize they now know how to do something that has eluded them for decades.
I think I can always work on my technical skills. I am in a field where the more you do, the better you become. Sometimes I get comfortable in teaching what I do and know I am good at it, but I need to challenge myself with new skills to benefit myself and give students the chance to see it too.
HI
I am a very down to earth type of professor and very student centric. I help the students to achieve success and never have forgotten where I came from. This is what makes me one of the better professors I am told. I would like to learn more and use this learning to be better at my teaching. I am a visual learner and enjoy the ability to see what I am doing and apply it.
Janice
Instructional Style depends on personal experience when the instructor or teacher was a student. Regardless of the format, all instructors need to make wise decisions about the strategies and methods they will employ to help students move systematically toward learning goals.Whit this in mind, I believed that a instructor or teacher needs to learn the method that works for him/her. Then, creat and maintain open line of communication with the students to aid the student reach its goals. Also,whit open lines of communication with students the instructo can evaluate his or her teaching style and improve as time passes.
I can observe other instructors to get ideas how to develop, refine and enhance my instructional style.
Hi Gary,
This is a great way of making the course relevant to the students. Sometimes they forget that what is happening today will have an impact on their future. This is making it real.
Gary
Dr. Meers: Thank you for your query. I did post one reply on the website but I have some additional thoughts to share. I believe I can improve the quality of my instructional style if I vary the delivery method on a more frequent basis. For example, I primarily start with a short lecture to introduce the subject matter for the class and then complete the written exercises with student participation. I could vary the method from one of lecture to group discussion of the subject matter to introduce the topic (allowing the students to focus the inquiry).
Hi Robin,
Feedback is powerful for improvement. We as instructors need to be looking for ways we can get feedback and then use it to improve our instructional delivery.
Gary
Hi Matthew,
Way to go with your professional development. You are being creative and responsive to the needs of your students through the approaches you are using. Also, I am sure with these different delivery methods you are enjoying your students and teaching even more.
Gary
I like to present a new concept on the board and then I let students work on individually on problems that I assingn. I go around the classroom and see how everyone is doing and I help those that need help. Hands practice is very helpful to students.
Hi Hilary,
Good plan to get yourself moving. Look for little ways you can use to get yourself moving. Think if it like a bird on the edge of the nest. Fly away from the lectern a little bit then fly back to it, then a little further and before you know it you will be moving all over the place.
Gary
I totally agree with you. I teach computers and keyboarding. At the beginning of the quarter some students have very little confidence. I try to give them a lot of encouragement and tell them daily what a great job they are doing. It is always so rewarding when they finally realize that they can do it.
One of my goals as an instructor is to not only motivate the students to study the course materials but also to be inquisitive in their daily activities and attempt to use the information gained in their courses to apply to everyday issues. One technique I can use more frequently is to highlight news stories which can also be a source of learning and reinforcing the usefulness of the subject matter of the course of study.
