I look to outside resources such as workshops that are on topics not related to what I teach. It helps to evaluate other instructors and facilitators to see what methods work best to retain the information and feel involved in the class. I love "hands on" teaching and employ that method to every class session (even though the course I instruct is mainly "book information" and not hands on). I find it important to also brainstorm before the class begins to find a creative way to keep the class involved and focused. After the instruction I verbally ask the students if that method felt comfortable or enjoyable and wait for the feedback. Being creative is the best way to find techniques that not only develop the instructors style (learn what works and what doesn't), but also enhances the learning enviroment.
I think student evaluations are invaluable to improving instructional style. Not every shoe fits, but I want to try them all on...
I HAVE 2 TECHNIQUES TO ENHANCE MY INSTRUCTIONAL STYLE,THE FIRST ONE IS BY FOLLOW UP THE EVALUATION OF MY STUDENTS AFTER EACH MODULE,THE SECOND TECHNIQUE IS BY ASKING MY MANGER TO ATTEND IN MY CLASS AND TO TELL ME IF THEIR IS ANY COMMENT TO ENHANCE MY INSTRUCTIONAL STYLE,ALSO PARTICIPATING IN A WORK SHOP ABOUT THIS ISSUE WILL BE HELPFUL.
I would use more hands on techniques using the same type of material with scenarios as the actual work place
I agree that the way you present yourself and the subject should be consistent all throughout the course, even if you start feeling more relaxed and at ease with your students. I also think that you should never lose focus of how your college wants you to reflect their mission and philosophy in your instructional style.
Evidence-based practice is emphasized in healthcare. This is a good way to intriduce new ideas that have been proven to be excellent and most of the times evidence-based practices are not on textbooks.
I ask for student feedbacks for my own use on how to better teach the class content for later courses.
I watch other instructors, I also watch how the students react to different things I do to see if there is any movement either way.
Hi Adam,
You have a great approach to professional development as an instructor. You are looking for ways to improve your instructional delivery and this is good because it helps to keep your students engaged and you excited about what you are teaching.
Gary
I constantly try to re-evaluate and reasses myself and my teaching style. I see teaching as constantly in flux, with the need to continually develop and reexamine the instructional style. To this end, I actively seek out feedback from students, other instructors and administrators. In addition, by staying on top of my field of study I am able to address new topics to keep the content relevant and up-to-date. Finally, by actively seeking out new methods of conveying information I am able to keep students interested and involved, even after a three hour class!
Hi Jonny,
Great recovery and I like the way you used this incident to build on how the class was going to go. A good laugh is a great way to kick off a class even if it was at your expense.
Gary
needs to be tailored to the class
I think that is a great ideas if one has the opportunity. Shadowing is a great way to come up with fresh, up to date, topics and techniques.
I think that is a very great point. Especially in postsecondary/vocational setting many students come from a variety of backgrounds where they have had no one help to lead them and show them the way.
I think feedback from my students as well as other instructors in my area are great tools to help develop, refine and enhance my instructional style. I also think that being a mentor to my students as well as a good role model is important.
This is my first time teaching. I am currently taking an assessment of my instructional style in order to identify areas to develop, refine and enhance. I have evaluated previous professors and identified the pros and cons of each in order to create a plan for my instuctional style. I will be observing the instructor currently teaching the class I will be teaching in order to gather helpful tips for myself. I have a lot of learning to do myself.
When I was attending college, the instructors with a sense of humor and different varieties of teaching styles, kept my attention. I try to bring that to the classroom. The challenge for me is not to become their "pal". I also learn by reading the feedback forms the students fill out.
One time in the first day of class I tripped over a trashcan and fell on my face in front of the entire class. I could have been upset, but I wasn't! We all laughed a great deal at my ordeal, and then had the most amazing first day of class! Who would have thought that a so-called mishap could have preceeded such a fine initial meeting?
Hi Denise,
One of the things I use to help the students save time and be better organized are structured outlines. Structured outlines give the major headings of a lecture or class session and the students fill in under those headings key points. This way they know what the instructor considers important, they know what they need to study and they have a full set of notes at the end of the class. Save time both in class and later when they are studying on their own.
Gary
I also agree with the importance of having a mentor. In our school, each new instructor is assigned a mentor in his or her department prior to the term starting. I am trying to model myself after the instructors that made the most positive impact on my learning. I am still in contact with some of those instructors and some even serve as professional references for me. I hope to serve as this type of resource for my students.
