I agree having a mentor is a tremendous help to the student. It allows them to seek one on one time with an instructor and have someone to bounce new ideas off of. In our school all students are assigned a mentor within the first two weeks of school in order to acheive this.
My personal style has been to encourage debate and discussion in the classroom. I am going to try to utilize the higher level questions to direct the discussions.
Hi Rainerio,
I also feel that you can gain so much from your peers, subordinates and colleagues from listening to them and getting there opinion on different subject matter. I've always been able to take away positve and sometimes even some negative points of view, but it is always a learning experience.
Bernie
I find that Peer Evaluatiuons are very helpful in improving and evolving my instructional style. My colleagues are in the same position that I am and can objectively point out my strengths as well as the areas in my instruction that I can improve on.
I appreciate their feedback as I would probably not be aware of opportunities to improve my style if not for their positive critique.
Many people have mentioned the student surveys. I do read student surveys but I believe you needto be careful when making changes based on them. After several classes and you are consistently seeing the same comments, I do believe you need to address what you are doing. I don't think you should make changes based on a students comment alone.
I often find myself speaking with and following the guidance of a more experienced teacher. I may speak with them regarding the current process I am using to instruct my class and they advise what may work for them or have worked for them inthe past. This also works when you have the opportunity to observe your coworkers when they are teaching.
I find that Co-teaching Modules, are a great way to learn various approaches to varied compentencies. we learn from our peers and the student body alike, definitely reading more on the subject matter and practice,practice, practice.
Hi Karen,
This method also starts the development of respect and rapport. The students begin the developmental process of getting settled into the course and learning about the requirements for the coming weeks.
Gary
When I meet the students for the first time, I like to ask them about themselves. It helps me "weave" what they are interested in, into my teaching(where appropriate) and creates more motivation to learn. It helps me get them to the water and hopefully they will drink (learn).
Hi Tracy,
What are the most useful parts of student surveys in relation to your instructional improvment?
Gary
Similar to everyone else, I like to take informal surveys of the class to make sure that our pace is in tune with them learning the material.
I have also found that if I can keep the topic relevant to their personal lives, the student pays more attention to the subject matter. Stories from the local newspaper and magazines are typically a good source.
I like student surveys as it helps me to grow as an instructor.
Be mindful of style-related comments in course critiques and make appropriate adjustments.
ditto. i think picking practices from our best instructors gives us more confidence in the way we're teaching.
Become more informative about the subject matter. Offer more and newer techniques in regards to what I'm teaching,and make it more interesting, challenging but exciting at the same time.
Thanks,
Bernie
Hi Sandra,
This is a good student management plan. The theme I see with all of this is that you are "reading" the needs of the student and responding with the appropriate supports.
Gary
Hi Angela,
That is what the legacy of teaching is all about. Passing on what we have learned to the next generation of learners. We do have an impact on them and have to make sure that impact is a positive.
Gary
Hi Le Quyen,
You make a great point about looking at those that have influenced us. Instructors that have motivated and inspired us can be looked to as we develop our own instructional personality.
Gary
to ingaged on a one to one basic with each student and to take time when needed. to fill the students needs and be responsive to them.to know when to loosen up my belt with them and when to tighten it up, but to always stay in control with respect to them.
I agree. When I feel like I am being myself and letting the students see a glimpse of the real fun I truly have had in business - I feel like they will look at finding a position in Office Management as something they can look forward to and be proud of instead of simply "work". Those teachers that instilled that in us - have done us a great service and we can pass it on.
