I find that bringing real life scenarios into the classroom as case studies, complete with initial accessment, rationale, and recommendation for the students to discuss and find issues with, creates a better experience for all. Canned case studies may have thier place, but what they will be associated with in real life leaves a better impression for the future.
I use self-imaging mental thoughts to see instruction from the learner end of the equation. Often I simply ask myself out loud: "If I was the learner, how would I need this content to make it meaningful and useful to me?" From that point I attempt to construct style and delivery of the content appropriately.
I keep a diary on what seems to work well under different circumstances.
One technique I employ and will continue to develop is my listening skills. I get a lot of valuable information through question and answer sessions. They help me to continously develop and change course when necessary.
Continual learning on the subject I am teaching. Auditing other class to see different teaching styles I might be able to use in my classroom.
I definitly like to use real world examples. I think as a professional I am happy to have the opportunity to still work inside my field and teach also. It keeps me fresh on the industry and gives them real world problems that I can use as a model to help them better understand how to work within a professional set of standards and rules.
I also like to read the student surveys to see how they think my teaching style is working. I do wish the students would be more specific on some of their comments if they fill them out at all. The comments are the most helpful part but seems to be the part the students don't like to fill out.
I tend to be a bit shy and quiet in front of a group of people so lecturing/instructing is a challenge. I beleive my style is purveying the information to the students in a true and real delivery. I use in my own words to explain technique along with terms and compitencies coming right from text. All of that said and keeping in mind I just started instructing it seems like repetition and practice will serve me best for right now. I will acquire my teaching legs and then refine my technique.
I feel that instructional styles may vary from classroom to classroom. Behaviors from one group of students in one classroom may not be present in another group of students in a different class. Instructional style would be different depending on the need demonstrated by the student population in the particular classroom.
I can employ role play techniques and engage the students in interactive educational games. These games are tailored to the assignments and is very enjoyable. I use this particular technique and my students love it!
Hi Amy,
By all means please do.
Gary
Do you know which websites? I'm intersted in that.
Gary,
Wonderful quote, I may use Instructor privileges and borrow it!!!
Amy
I prefer to cover all aspects or different styles of learning, as well, as have students participate in discussions. I believe that allowing students to share their opinions not only lets them know that I consider them intellectually capable of learning the material but, also allows them to connect with the subject being learned.
Hi Audra,
There are a number of websites that you can review that has information about multiple intelligences and learning preferences. There is currently a number of research efforts being conducted in the area of learning modalities in digital classrooms that should be available by next summer. Keep on the lookout for these, I know you will find their results very interesting.
Gary
Hi Sayida,
Great connections you are building with your students. This method enables them to see the application and relevancy in what you are sharing with them. This really will help in their motivation.
Gary
To further develop, refine and enhance my instructional style, I can develop my research base on learning modalities in andragogical approaches to digital classrooms in order to reach a diversity of learning styles among adults. What are some professional resources I can use to develop my understanding of learning modalities in digital classrooms?
One strategy that I find useful and interesting in class instruction is to locate practical tools used in the field (ex. IQ test questions for Teaching Psychology) and having students practice using them in class. Students find this interesting and it builds their confidence that they know how to apply what they are learning in real-life scenarios.
Hi Anthony,
Thank you for sharing these references. This information will help instructors to see how they can facilitate the learning of this student sector. Also, how they can work with this group while including non-traditional learners in the educational process as well.
Gary
Hi Amy,
What a great outlook on professional development. You have a diverse strategy for being an instructional development expert (IDE). A quote I really like to use as an educator is "The beginning of understanding begins with the willingness to listen." Listening is a valuable tool for all educators because through listening they know what direction they should take their classes based upon student dynamics.
Gary
