I use a variety of methods to reach my students and their individual learning styles. I suppose then that my instructional style would be motivator first because a lot of the material we need to learn is rote memorization and they need encouragement to keep going. I then work as mentor because I work in the field as well. My experiences are of value and they seem to enjoy the real-world stories. I use all the field lingo and I know the techniques so I have the opportunity to model as well.
I think there are several ways of developing, refining and enhancing instructional style: observing other instructors is an excellent way and using them as mentors as previously mentioned; student feedback - both formal and informal; trying new ideas and activites to see what works and what doesn't; and attending workshops and in-services regarding instruction activities are just a few things I have tried and continue to work on.....
Toni
I am new to academic teaching; thus I am acutely aware I have much to learn! I need to further refine skills such as how to be supportive to my students while not being apologetic for my role as an authority figure. I am also looking for new ways to engage students who are hesitant to contribute during class.
I like to take classes in the subject that I teach. I also like to read books on the subject as well. These are two good ways to further develop and refine my instructional style.
Hi Cynthia, can you share the free online survery tool with the web address? Is that possible for you? Thank you in advance. Anwar
As a recent graduate, I will utilize a lot of the same approaches used by my former instructors.
I agree with you on this one. I like to consider myself as a mentor and coach. I like to have 100% student participations in my class. I always give my student opportunity to ask questions and answer any concern they may have.
Hi Dean,
Great way to get input from a variety of sources. I am sure your visit with the Dean of Faculty will be an informative and instructive one and will help you with your development as a professional educator.
Gary
As a new instructor, I like to observe other instructors and their methods. I also frequently change between lecture style and discussion style both to help break up the time and to see which works best with the material in the current chapter. I am looking forward to the first set of evaluations to see how the students see my instructional style. I will also be meeting shortly with the Dean of Faculty to go over the evaluations and consider any suggestions she may have.
As a new instructor, I like to observe other instructors and their methods. I also frequently change between lecture style and discussion style both to help break up the time and to see which works best with the material in the current chapter. I am looking forward to the first set of evaluations to see how the students see my instructional style. I will also be meeting shortly with the Dean of Faculty to go over the evaluations and consider any suggestions she may have.
Hi Charlotte,
Good plan for expanding your expertise in meeting the needs of your students. The weekly "Living Well Series" sound like good examples of student support and by knowing more about these areas you can lend more support to them.
Gary
Hi Ted,
Good point. Rapport is important to establish with students so they see you in the professional role and will be willing to take advice and counsel from you.
Gary
Hi Andrea,
Good job listing a number of ways to expand your instructional expertise and effectiveness. You are right on target with your listed strategies. As an experienced instructor you have the option of selecting specific areas on which you want to concentrate and then refine them as opposed to just surviving as a new instructor.
Gary
to read the instructor assements completed by students to better gain information on how to meet thier educational needs.
At the end of every Module, our students are given a Teacher survey to fill out. When I receive the summarized results, I pay attention to any areas that are less than 100%. Then, I plan on which method I may utilize to raise that rating. I bring real life experiences from the field into my lectures as examples of what to do or what not to do. I, also, put forth situations for the student to talk about what would be the best way to handle them. I observe other teacher's teaching methods which helps to enhance mine. Our Student Services Director has weekly "Living Well Series" covering subjects from Test Anxiety, Angry to Awesome etc. which I attend to gain further insights & ideas to help me help my students.
Listening to student concerns to build trust, and show caring.
At this point in my teaching 'experience', I think I could really benefit from both shadowing other teachers and being observed by a colleague.
I did plenty of shadowing when I was a new instructor, but now that I am more comfortable with the basics, I think it would be beneficial to do so again. Watching a 'pro' again with a focus on details (as opposed to the basics a new instructor is concerned with) would provide great insight.
I also think that being observed specifically for the purposes of improving my technique and style would be of great use. As much as i dislike the idea of being videotaped, I think that too would be very helpful in learning both where I excel as well as what areas need improvement.
Course evaluations are excellent- the students can provide great feedback if given a written area to express themselves. Although comments including TOO HARD are not valuable for improving instruction, many students are thoughtful and expressive.
Sitting in on another instructor's class gives great ideas for how to present material
knowing your instructional style will help you be a better teacher.
Hi Katie,
This is a great list to follow as you define and refine your instructional style. The result is going to be an instructor that is student centered and professional in all areas.
Gary
