I use student and peer evaluations as feedback during midterm and course end. I can then make changes as the evaluation shows.
There are many techniques that I could improve upon. This is my first semester teaching, so it's hard to answer this as I'm currently working on understanding my different techniques successfulness. On day one I got to know my students interests and backgrounds. Since then, I interact with all of them and ask for their input/opinions based on their interests and backgrounds. I use the smart board to illustrate concepts. I use the overhead projector to show them how the software I'm teaching works. And most importantly, I have them use the software with me and I always have little projects for them to work on each day...projects that force them to use functions of the software that they need to learn and I walk around assisting them as they need it. Then I go back to a short lecture and repeat the cycle.
Hi Andrew-
Dennis Heinke, Adjunct Instructor, here.
I LOVE the idea of playing music before class! I think I may give that a try, as my class runs 4-plus hours (pretty brutal, especially when the U won't spring for a stool that I can sit on, occasionally. lol
I have thankfully had the opportunity to have spent about 12 years in the field I'm teaching, so my teaching style is based on both the curriculum and what I know is needed to be successful on a daily basis. I also play upbeat music before the class, which has done a great job in getting people to wake up a little before the class starts.
I try to also inject current pop culture references and examples to what I'm teaching and give examples of what is being done in the field. I updated my subject matter and examples every term to make sure they are still relevant.
After each Course, I read carefully the students survey which it show a lot of the students emphasis on the Points and subjects that need to be improved on the next Syllabus as well any changes that will help to develop my instructional style to be more effective.
Having had some rigid instructors who were not willing to develope any type of personal relationship with me, I believe that to show a student that I care enough to invest something of myself towards them stimulates motivation which might not otherwise be seen. I believe that we all can learn from each other and we all have value, Nursing sometimes is brutal to their young and this is very unnecessary and counter productive to the learning process. Life's experiences have taught me as much as a book and to share this in an open discussion establishes solid relationships with the students.
I use alot of hands on applications as well as giving the students real life experiences.
After each course you should re-evaluate what techniques worked and where you need to improve. Incorporate those areas into your preparation for the next course and you should begin to improve.
Hi Audrey,
Good approach. This way you know you are current with your content and you can show your students how your class content will help them move forward in their education. This connection between the classroom and the real world helps to motivate them toward success and their career goals.
Gary
Always research your subject, know your material, and so a self evaluation
I often use current event stories in order to engage my students in discussions about esoteric theories being covered in a chapter.
I think doing a video recording of a class would be a very valuable tool in helping me hone my instructional style. Also soliciting feedback from students is always helpful.
i lke to read books about our subject other than our textbook. also i sit in other classes to observe how the instructor teaches their class. this i find helps me learn new ways of teaching.
Student surveys are very helpful, and I also will ask students directly of things I can do to improve their experience.
As an educator, mentor and person, I am committed to giving my students a holistic education that includes, at its basic core, the discipleship of the mind. Two central themes have predominated in my own teaching: to stimulate interest and promote critical thinking skills.
One teaching approach that I use is 'problem-based learning' (PBL), which is both a teaching method and an approach to the curriculum. It consists of carefully designed problems that challenge students to use problem solving techniques, self-directed learning strategies, team participation skills, and disciplinary knowledge. PBL helps the student build confidence in their ability to perform well in school.
Dr. Maurice Godwin
Hi Andrew,
Great to hear about your teaching success. You are teaching a challenging course and you have found ways to keep the content interesting and methods for application. Keep up the good work you are on the right course.
Gary
Training, as much as you can handle along with practical time teaching.
I agree Steven. Your industry is evolving especially with TV competitions and ground-breaking methodologies - creativity in this sector abounds. Sandra
I like to include materials that are relevant and of value to my curriculum package even when the materials have not been included in the instruction materials. Most often, these added materials are important to the success of my students' licensing requirements. I also encourage my student to use real life professional experiences in their presentations. For my professional development, I attend CPE seminars as well as "listen" to the end of term evaluations provided by the students. This is challenging, but it is necessary to enhance my instructional style. Sandra
I teach kinesiology to massage therapy students. I have a pretty good system that works in class. I have students first study the bony landmarks of each bone, then study the origin and insertion of the muscles.
1. I give a lecture covering the chapter.
2. We study the bones, and they use a skeleton to physically find the bony landmarks.
3. They take a quiz, where I point to 10 different places on the skeleton.
4. Beginning the next class, they take a test on the muscles that correspond with the bones that we covered in the previous class.
5. The process repeats for each chapter.
Then I give a Unit test on the muscles of the upper body and the muscles of the lower body to reinforce what they've learned.
I feel that the system is good because class is 4 hours long, and it keeps them moving around. It seems to be working nicely,
