I try to relate the subjects to real life. Give examples how and where we can utilize the knowledge.
Calvin, this is very similar to how I lay out my class time. After some warm-up and debriefing time, I do a lecture, then they do a case study/written exercise, we totally switch gears to have them work on a long-term group project, and then we take a brief quiz. I have a 4-hour long class session, and try to do various things to break it up.
Hi Jeffrey,
Congratulations on your work toward your PhD. You have a great background educationally as well as your real life experiences. By being open to observing others, making changes in your instructional delivery, and being creative you are moving forward with a great professional development plan. Your students are going to benefit each and every time you teach a course. Keep up the great job you are doing.
Gary
I can speak with other instructors to get ideas for different ways to present information on topics in which I might have limited experience. In addition, I read through and do the same assignments that I require my students to do, so I can gain a knowledge and understanding of areas in which the students may experience some trouble comprehending.
To enhance my instructional style, I share examples of experiences that I have had that relate to topics I am teaching, to help students relate theory to practice.
I also take note of the class activities (Lesson Plan activities) that worked well and those that did not and revise them as needed.
I have found that my style is actually multi-modal- lecturing, modeling, demonstrating, and assisting or overseeing the practical or tactile experiences while incorporating powerpoints,handouts,workbook activities, critical thinking, and practical application activities.
First and foremost I have taken courses towards my PhD in education. I master's degrees in finance and I wanted to become a better instructor, therefore he decided to pursue a PhD in education. Other than the training, I am always observing and asking other instructors about how they manage their classroom. Many instructors who have been teaching much longer than I have can always give helpful tips. Also, my classroom is like a laboratory. Every term I change something, or get rid of something in an attempt to make the course better for the students. It's like anything else a constant process.
I can try to get to know my students individual learning style and apply a mix of delivering my daily instruction to reach each type of learning style so that I am reaching all students through their own learning style to get a better understanding of the course material to apply later.
group sessions; interactive classroom lectures;
students to do participations by definition per category and their inputs per topic;it makes them feel valuable and at the same time you can assess their knowledge and understanding
Very good point... this makes the student think which is never a bad thing.
It truly is important. Active listening is important in all aspects of life but if you do not truly hear what your student is asking, you may loose that students respect quickly.
I try to constantly walk around the class and assist the student with their current project. As a Graphic Design instructor, I also try to stay up on current trends and use my own business as a teaching aid for the students.
I couldn't agree with this more. I also like to ask my students for their opinions on the class after every class.
Hi All,
Thank all of you for comments on how to identify and develop your instructional style. You all have shared many great ideas that will help all of us to become better instructors.
Gary
Hi Crystal,
You are doing all of the right things as a developing new instructor. Take the feedback and grow from it. To receive some lower or more critical evaluations is to be expected (not necessarily liked) because you are working outside of your comfort zone as you develop your expertise. Your next evaluations will be much better because you have grown from the experience you have gained during the past quarter.
If you have any specific questions about instructional development I will be glad to try and answer them. Good luck!
Gary
Role playing with students give them a since of what to expect when they get employed.
I ask the students to complete a paper about themselves. The answers to how they learn and remember information helps me to know what is the best way to teach the class.
Hi Crystal,
This is but a normal experience when one is instructing for the first time. My practice is if a topic/subject is new to me and I do not have that much confidence with it, I actually sit in and take the class from an instructor who is very familiar with it. This way, I not only learn from their teaching styles but get additional content to enhance the subject.
When developing my instructional style I like to reflect on what worked for me when I was a student. Both of my parents were educators and I frequently talk to them when I have problems explaining a subject matter or when I don't feel like students have fully grasped a concept. They are a wealth of information for me. I also like to speak to the other instructors in my program to see what kinds of styles they have incoporated successfully.
I also like to read student surveys but I also like to talk to instructors that my students go to next for feedback on how I might prepare students better .
I continually research new ideas, look for ideas among peers, journals, and study guides such as the one I am involved in now.
I am teaching two information technology classes this quarter. I have found that a short lecture to cover a specific topic, followed by an example students can look at, followed by having them do a couple of short exercises seems work well for them.
