By recognizing that it is a continuous, self-improvement process. Whether that is aquiring new teaching techniques, learning new skills or maintaining subject knowledge. We cannot simply rely on our past knowlegde or achievement.
Hi Mark,
What a great plan. I like it a lot. It is comprehensive and gives you a very clear picture of the past course. I am sure you are able to chart growth over the period of time you have been an instructor. Keep up the good work.
Gary
I am continually reading updated literature concerning not only medical/surgical aspects of education but also general educational topics. When an instructor comes to me with a concern, I always research new avenues in which to provide direction even if I have a tried and true method.
I agree with you Samson, as a traditional skills instructor I feel that the learning method is best served by incorporating all three methods. When I have a new class of students, even if they are well into their educational career, I’ll first demonstrate the lesson on the board while discussing what is required of them. This solidifies my role as expert and instructor, and also this method uses both visual and auditory. Then it is followed with kinesthetic, hands on activity and a personal one on one conversation with each establishes the “connection” between instructor and student relationships.
Pat Broderick
At the conclusion of each course, I complete a written self-assessment. I draw upon a variety of data including a statement of the course learning objectives, student performance (partly expressed through grades but also through two tests--pre and post class), direct student feedback to me, student feedback from anonymous course evaluations, and peer feedback through classroom observations. I compare this data against what I have set as the criteria for success (80% of students will earn a C or higher, etc.) to gauge whether I have met expectations or not. This helps me more objectively explore where I can further develop my instuctional style.
Hi Bill,
I like your addition of the role coach. You are right about how important this is to the success of students. Those that know they have a coach there willing to help them achieve their career goals will stay focused and work harder to achieve those goals.
Gary
I try to serve in multiple roles when I teach but one that I think is often under utilized is serving as a coach. Encouraging students by letting them know that you believe in them is important. Showing them if they work hard, and make school a priority that they will benefit. Many students lack confidence and I try to let them know that if they work at it that they as well will be successful. Therefore, I want to make certain that I perform this role as well as others in the classroom.
This is a neat idea, that students would have something specific to comment about, instead of feeling pressured to write anything down, such as at the end of the course.
I like to observe other instructors, network with other professionals in my field, and try new things in the classroom to see what will change outcomes.
Angela, do you have access to an online library?
Jeff, reading Industry journals and periodicals are helpful in staying current. Are you able to attend any Industry conventions or seminars?
Hi Kevin, I organize study tours and try to incorporate as many learning objectives as possible in the trips. It provides opportunities for students to see the relevancy of material taught in the classroom.
The most important part of a survey is the section on comments. I wish more students would sign their names so I could follow up and get additional information or clarification on feedback. :)
I provide assessments in the form of formal quizzes or informal methods including games or question and answer periods during my presentation to see if students are learning the material. Students enjoy the informal method because a grade is not attached. I read surveys, as well, and I value the feedback but I can't wait for the results of surveys to help the students in the current session. I am also constantly talking to other instructors about their classes so that I can pick up tidbits of information that might help me in the classroom. I also take classes and observe the instructor's style to see if there are any techniques used that I might adopt.
Hi Sofia,
You are using a number of techniques that enable the students and you to exchange information and feedback. These are effective methods to use and as you say the students feel that they are part of the planning and learning process when it comes to course delivery.
Gary
I am a new instructor and one technique that I have found helpful in the clinical setting is asking the students after their clinical day a highlight of their day and something that they did not like. I then ask them what they would like to experience in the week. I often get feedback to help me plan for the next week. I also feel that this helps the student feel that they have some control in their learning experience which seems to have a positive effect in their enthusiasm to learn more. This shows them that I acknowledge their needs and I am not only their instructor but their facilitator to new experiences and knowledge. At the end they seem to value and respect me more for my role as their instructor.
I feel it is vital to consider learning styles when attempting to enhance my own instructional style. Considering the student's learning styles and incorporating these into the classroom setting the instructional style provides a more enriched learning environment.
Hi Terry,
You make a key point about showing the students the human side of your professional personality. This does help show them that you are human and that you understand what they are working through as students.
Gary
Hi Ed,
You make a good point about motivation for online students being different than on-site. We need to look for motivation techniques that are successful for online students and then share them with each other. This will help to spread the expertise and knowledge of how to refine our delivery and support for online students.
Gary
I agree with Lawrence and his comment about "teach from experience". Not everything concerning the subject matter you are teaching excites you, but sharing the portions you are excited about, your personal experiences, allows the students to connect what they are learning to the real world in a positive way. If you are excited about what you are teaching I think it makes a student feel more confident in having chosen that subject to learn about and makes them more attentive to what you are teaching.
