I'm a new clinical instructor, only one year in the field, and I wish someone had suggested to me when I started to spend that first day getting to know the students. It's taken me some time to understand how important it is to know the individual needs of the students, as well as the class needs. I now make a point to find out the students' past experience, knowledge, and education in the field, as well as a little bit about their personal lives, prior to diving into the clinical experience. I appreciate the game ideas, and am expecting to incorporate that in this term. I too have found group projects are a great way to help the students be involved in learning, and also help them put several aspects together and learn to work well as a team. Any other ideas that might apply specifically to a clinical experience?
Kathleen,
This is a good sequential format that enables you to check for understanding while showing your students how each class session builds on the next one. I know this results in a greater understanding of the core content while enhancing the learning experiences of your students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
In each successive class I have the students discuss what was covered in the last class so as to develop a clear path for moving forward. If a student has a question or is unclear on anything discussed in class I ask another student/s to clarify for them. This also gives me insights as to whether the other student/s understood the content. If there are any more concern that need clarification I briefly review the content in question. Then we move on with the lesson at hand. I think this puts the class at ease as well as to inform any student who may have missed that class session.
Sandra,
Yes it does. This way you are bringing the latest best practices from you field to your students in each class session.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I choose to still work in my profession. It enables me to stay current with "real life" experiences.
Benedict,
Experience is a great teacher and you have certainly learned a lot in a short period of time. I commend you for your ability to adapt to the needs of your students. Your adjustments are keeping them engaged and you are expanding their skill sets. Keep up the great work!
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
some of the ways to expand my instructional abilities is to think out side the box. let me explain. I am teaching a high school HVAC class. Lets just say most of the students are not on the honor roll. I have had to reinvent my program at least 5 times since September. it has not been easy since this is my first time teaching. finding ways to keep my students engaged has been quite a challenge. trying to break up class with lab has helped. I still have to lecture but doing a demo before lab has certainly helped. I teach be the edge method. I explain what we are doing, I then demonstrate the project at hand, I then guide the student on the project, and finally enable them to do it. some student get it the first time, others take more time. I am getting much better at laying out the projects we are doing in class.
Janet,
This is a good point to remember as we instructors strive to improve our instructional abilities. We need to solicit student feedback and then use it to make any adjustments or adaptations we need to make because student feedback is the most targeted that we can receive.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
A flexible professional; development plan is critical. However I have learned that communication with the students is valuable. When I evaluate their feedback in an objective way I can leartn a great deal about my personal strengths and weaknesses as an instructor. These insights can poin the way toward further coursework and development to improve effectiveness.
Summer,
Keep up this effort and your skill in this area will grow. A plan for you could be to take one area of your lecture and work on developing activities and strategies to make it a "wow" session. Once you are satisfied with that area then you can focus on another one and so forth. Before long you will have gone through your entire lecture series and will have increased the appeal and strength of each section and the course as a whole, while enjoying your time in the lab with your students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Summer,
Observing other instructors is a great way to expand your knowledge of instructional delivery. I still sit in on other instructors classes even after teaching for many years. As educators we need to be life long learners, not just in our field but also in our teaching. This way we can continually incorporate new strategies and activities that will make our instruction more effective and efficient to our students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I know my weakest area is a lecture class. I am a very hands on and technical person, so I do love to teach lab classes. I have been observing others to help expand my skills in the lecture poritions of class.
Tina,
I use Jeopardy as a tool too. Most of my students really enjoy it more than any powerpoint. I have now started having the students create Jeopardy games to teach themselves and others in the class. That way everyone gets a chance to be Alex!
I have tried a few methods on expanding my instructional abilities. One way is I have gone into other "successful" instructors classrooms and observed their techniques. It helps give me insight on other options and what else may work for me in class. I may not use everything I see of other instructors, because it may not fit my personality or style but it does help give me ideas.
I can expand my instructional abilities through professional development classes and training, working with and learning from my coworkers, and staying current in my field.
Miriam,
Well said and so true. This is why we need to continually look for ways to expand our professional development and expertise.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
By communication with teamwork. I also believe that you never can learn enough yourself, you must continue your knowledge to be able to be a good instructor.
Antonio,
Like your plan. Keep up the good effort.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
One way to expand my instructional abilities is to keep up date my topics. Taking some internet courses about Pedagogy and CME. Now is very easy to find out that there is a new technology out there.
Morgan,
This is a great professional development program for yourself. You expand your confidence and skills as a demonstrator and your students get the benefit of having the level of the demonstrations lifted.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
