Hi Robert,
I like this method as well because the students can see in real time the consequences of their work. With proper lighting they have it right with improper lighting they know they have work to do. This shows the relevancy of the content you are offering them as well as skill development.
Gary
I am new to college/university instruction but not new to corporate training. While they are similar, they do differ.
This past quarter I used a combination of lecture and self discovery through labs and assignments to help my students learn.
It was useful to me to have access to the online class/master syllabus and tests to pattern my class after. I was also fortunate enough to be able to collaborate with my husband who also taught the same class at a different campus.
The feedback from my dean of faculty was also very helpful and I look forward to learning more about and applying the suggestions she made.
I also feel a lot of self reflection and experimentation was useful this quarter. After a class that I didn’t' feel was as successful as I wanted it to be, I'd reflect on what happened and then think about what I could change or do differently for the next week.
I also think staying on top of homework and using it as a measure of the student's learning and then adjusting the syllabus or discussion to enhance the learning process is also very relevant.
I welcome ideas on staying organized to collect and grade homework and provide more timely feedback to my students. Aside from not accepting late assignments, I also welcome ideas on how to keep students current with their homework assignments.
I like to use Trial and Error learning in the Film and video fields. If they get the lighting wrong, they can see the results in camera in real time. When the students fix the lighting and it is correct, they feel a real sense of accomplishment.
Hi Rosana,
Great to hear about your confidence growth. A little experience and success goes a long way in helping you to see that you can really have an impact on the lives of your students. Keep up the great attitude and continue working on your professional development. Your students will benefit from your expanding expertise level.
Gary
I agree that reflection is extremely important. I have seen reflection as a component of any written work, and an overall reflective paper at the conclusion of the course. Not sure which I prefer. I think the idea of daily reflection provides a good measure of classroom learning effectiveness. Your thoughts?
I have not had the opportunity to teach didactic, however, as a clinical instructor, I ask my students how they learn, i.e. visual, auditory or both; then I tailor it according to their needs. Yes, it is time consuming, however, the personal approach and encouragement is much appreciated by the students.
Still, this module made me realize that I have much to learn and explore.
Very good point. When I first began teaching I had no confidence in my teaching ability. Now after 6months and this course I am feeling more confident and can see my instruction style developing.
One possibility is to observe other instructors who have received posistive feedback from their students. In addition, taking online courses that offer alternative teaching methods as well as online and book research.
Hi Lisa,
This is a great way to stay current with your field. Combine this with instructional development and you have a great combination for effective and efficient instruction.
Gary
Hi David,
Good plan and one that will greatly increase your ability to be an instructor of quality.
Gary
Employing better presentation skills during my class sessions would help to entice interest in the session. I teach online. Which can pose some challenges. By employing more pictorially representative matter in my powerpoints to help motivate my students would help to enhance my instructional style.
Finding other ways to motivate my students to stay the course, complete their assignments on time and submit their assignments, as well.
I also enjoy daily "reflections" on the board as the students come in. I hope to encourage my students to take a turn at an encouraging statement on the board for the class.
Giving the students surveys at the end of each course is a great way to get feedback on how to improve on your instructional teaching style. Some students fill out the survey honestly which help instructors truly see if their efforts are working.
I am constantly looking for new ways to develop my instructional style. I have only been teaching for 6 months and feel I have not quite adapted to my own style. I have observed fellow instructors,searched the internet,taken classes and also request feedback from students.
I do well building and keeping trust with my students and managing time and deadlines. Sometimes I neglect to bring in relevant community resources, such as other professionals in the field. I would like to explore more engaging ways of presenting a lecture so students don't recognize it's a lecture!
Hi Anwar,
While not Cynthia, I would like to offer Survey Monkey as a possible tool (www.surveymoneykey.com). I believe that you can use it for free a few times, but there may be a fee down the road for continued use.
I can also certainly invest in more industry related periodicals that better inform me of employment trends.
Need to devise a way to capture the capstone course students because they are off campus and most find it difficult to continue to post attendance, much less give their feedback on their course satisfaction.
As a Career Services Director, I can better share my personal professional experience and how I progressed through the ranks to achieve senior positions.
There are many techniques, approaches, and resources available to continually develop, refine , and enhance one's instructional style. I think the key is to have a plan in place to continually and consistently evaluate and develop your teaching styles/ approaches, and to properly implement and follow though with the plan. Some options are:
1.) A specific professional development plan... well implemented
2.) Participating in In-Service training
3.) Participating in continuing education workshops, classes and on-line courses
4.) Conferring with other professionals/ have them observe your classes
5) Observing other professionals in the classroom environment
6.) Conferring with your students
7.) Utilizing traditional and "new" media resources
etc...
