Surveys work great for me also. Although only a few students take the time to fill out a survey fully and honestly, the students who do, usually have something important to say.
My instructional style depends on what subject is being teached. If it is a procedue, I demonstrate. If it is a part of the anantomy and relates to the disease I am discussing then I draw a picture of the anatomy or show slides.Sometimes we do case senerios of patients they have taken care of.
My instructional style epends on what subject I am teaching. If it is a disease I may draw a picure of the anatomy or show slides, if it is a procudure I do a demonstration. If it is a concept or principle I want them to understand we may do a case study
My instructional style is based on my experience as professor for more that 20 years. I use to prepare my courses with the experiences I gained on previos courses, the students use to love it.
Hi Candace,
You have listed a number of very good ways to expand your instructional expertise. Each one of these strategies will help you to become even more effective and efficient in your teaching.
Gary
Hi Andrew,
I like to observe other instructors as well. It gives me another perspective on how I can deliver my instructional content. Keeps me growing as a professional.
Gary
I always remind our last lesson's primary outcome and how it applies to the real world and the lesson we are having today. I also applied real world incidents to all skill sets we might be addressing and try to encourage the reflective process in every encounter.
Having the students give their feedback on what they think they are learning helps me to shape what I need them to pick up from the lesson and gives them a voice in the classroom. There is a changing face in education that requires we listen as well as we lecture. Upholding this principle also helps the students identify the way in which they think, which is precious knowledge as well.
I would like to learn to incorporate more "fun" activities that help emphasize a point, but in a more "relaxed" approach. I would like to have opportunity to observe other teachers of accounting to learn techniques to encourage students to participate in the learning process. I like to keep current with events in the business world and bring up issues related to concepts we are learning. I find discussion of real world experience and expectations brings new concepts to life.
I completely agree. If the student feels that their input is being accepted or even considered, I believe that we are empowering them with the confidence to want to partake in discussions relevent to the subject matter. In turn making them more interested.
I enjoy sitting in on other instructors courses to help refine my instructional style. Even if other instructors are not teaching the same course, sitting in on other instructors gives you examples of other teaching methods.
One of the best methods I've used to refine my instructional style is to listen and learn from other instructors (good and bad).
I'm a retired military technical instructor, and one of my greatest challenges was to learn how to "civilianize" my teaching style.
I've read a few other posts from other military members with similar challenges, and I'm curious what methods you suggest?
It is very good point and I beleive in "mentoring"
I am a mentor myself too.In addition,I have to know my students... and with guidance success is guaranteed.
Hi Ben,
Good point in terms of how to use survey information. The information gained from them help you to set parameters in which you will operate for that class. This way you can read the students and adjust your instruction to dynamics that are being displayed.
Gary
I teach online so it presents different challenges, I find that reviewing the discussion threads provide a lot of information on how the students are receiving the information and where they are struggling with understanding the material. This provides opportunities to provide more or less feedback on specific areas covered within the chapter readings.
The surveys are a great tool to gage the pace of the course.
I try to see how far we can go with the material before I start getting resistance.
I then adjust accordingly.
Ben
I try to get every student in my class to participate. I do case studies and random go around the room and ask each student to particioate in questions from the case study
Hi Andrew,
Great way to set the tone before and during the class. You are bringing career experience and field knowledge to the classroom. This is what the students will need when they are out in the field trying to develop their own careers.
Gary
Hi Cyndy,
I like your approach to teaching. You are bringing the human factor into it. Teaching doesn't need to be brutal. By having compassion and understanding you will demonstrate to your students your willingness to help them to be successful. This will be a win win for everyone.
Gary
I like the music idea as well. I'd need to start getting there earlier though! Most of the time I get to class my students are already there, and the room is so quiet you could hear the proverbial pin drop. I try to come in with high-energy questions, asking about their weekend, any plans, etc. But I think the upbeat music idea could help get us off to a better start.
Lisening to students is important, but they will need to be encouraged to speak up, too, as there will always be some who hesitate to speak and this makes it difficult for us to fully understand the situations confronting them.
