Hi Mark,
Good plan for instructional improvement. By taking all of this input into consideration you are going to be able to bring instructional improvement to your classroom.
Gary
Hi Stephanie,
Listening to students and their feedback is critical for instructional improvement. You are doing a good job of incorporating what you are learning about the student input so you can be a better instructor.
Gary
During the course, when grading student papers, I sometimes notice that some of the students are making the same mistakes. That indicates to me that I should rethink how I present a particular concept or topic.
After the course is over, I carefully read student comments in the instructor and course evaluations. Of course, I like the complementary ones. However, I pay attention to the comments that indicate that I haven't gotten through to certain students. Sometimes they say what would have worked better for them. Those sorts of comments are helpful in making changes.
Then, of course, there are professional development opportunities. My school has regular in-services and faculty meetings. Often someone will make a comment that strikes me, that gives me an idea to improve my classes in some way.
I always listen to what my students are saying. Surveys tells me a lot about how I manage my class. I always take critism as learning tool for myself.
I am continuously evaluating students by reviewing the material in different formats. This gives me an idea as to where each of the students is at int he learning of the course material and also gives me an insight as to who might need some additional help. I also use course reviews often and take into account the comments that are made.
I absolutely agree Cheryl! As a geologist, there is always something new, and often times exciting going on, and often my students will ask me at the beginning of class if I heard about such and such; it is very cool!
I think my previous post was off target a bit, so let me try again. I agree with others who say that student/course surveys are a good place to assess what might be working and what is not. I take these evaluations seriously, and have incorporated changes to how I instruct because of them. I also do a review at the end of each semester and determine what was working, what needs to be tweaked, and what I should throw away.
One of the biggest things that I have found effective is to continue to mix things up during class. I teach a three hour evening class that meets twice a week, and includes both a lecture and a lab component. I do not adhere to a strict schedule of lab is on this day, and lecture on this one, I mix it up such that we may work on a lab for the first have, lecture, the second half, watch a video, engage in discussion, go on a field trip, etc. It helps to keep them interested in what is going on. Another thing, is I am sure to let them know that their opinion is valuable, and respected, and I encourage them to speak freely (in a respectful manner), that they are in a safe environment to do so.
The most important technique in the deliverly of any information to students (regardless of the methodology) is for the Professor to be enthusiastic about the subject.
Regardless of the visual or auditory methods used if the Professor doesn't care about the subject then students won't care either.
I continually review my own class performance (lectures, grading comments, emails, & announcements)to ensure that the subject being learned is presented as something of value and importance to the student.
Hi Craig,
Students like to hear stories about the career area in which they are preparing to enter. By using these examples you are showing the students that they have a future in the field if they will work hard at acquiring the necessary knowledge and skills.
Gary
Having 30 years experience in the industry, and being new at teaching, I see more focus from the students when I use real life experience examples.
I certainly bring humor and story into the classroom as part of my instructional style. This reflects to students that I am genuine, and sets the tone for class.
I also find ways to tie content in with real life experiences
Very good points! Also, along the same lines, What works with one group of students may not work with another group of students. You always seem to need another trick up your sleeve.
From my experience, I would try to look at myself.Examine what things that I think I am doing well and others that I think may need improvement or refining. I might choose to sit in another teacher's class to observe how they deliver their class material. I also would utilize any prior feedback that I might have obtained from a previous class to see what comments or criticisms there may be.
Reading about alternative instructional methods
could be useful. Perhaps there is a new type of technology available that could be used as a delivery tool which might enhance your current method.
I think finding new things in the subject that you get excited about can really help you with your style. If you are excited about the content then that shows to the class. You want tp have enthusiam when you teach so that the students are motivated to learn and stay in the class.
Cheryl
Hi William,
Good suggestion. We will work on trying to set something like this set up.
Gary
One thing that my college could really benefit from, and all our instructors, the vast majority of whom are part-time, is to provide a forum where this can take place.
Hi Bryan,
What has been some of the most helpful suggestions that other instructors have made to you?
Gary
Asking other instructor what works for them
I now teach general education courses and the style I most often use is lecture. However, recognizing that different students have different learning styles, my goal is to vary the instructional style used in the class to facilitate those different learning styles. When I started teaching at the college level, it was highly technical networking courses with lots of hands on labs. In fact 3/4 of class time was devoted to labs and lab oriented skills testing.
Now, teaching general education courses: political science and physical anthropology there is more lecture content. But I use a lot of videos and slide shows of fossils (in the absence of the real thing). I also try to make trips during term breaks to areas around the world always with my classes and students in mind. I bring photos, videos and stuff back from the trip and use these materials in the classroom. So, I when talking about the affects of global warming, I have photos and a video of a glacier breaking up; when talking about desert or rainforest ecosystems, I have the goods. I' ve been there and my traveling to these locations indicate to students that I have their interest and engagement in mind.
