I make a point to connect often with other instructors and and ask them about what apporaches work in their classrooms. For example, I have begun being very conscious of incorporating wait time into my instruction. I can see the value of wait time every time I utilize it. In addition, overall, I think I have an engaging lecture style, but I have begun moving around the room more, and have begun to attempt to engage students who have not voluntarily participated in Q & A's and in class discussions.
I think the toughest part in teaching a science course is relating the material to the students' everyday lives. I think it is fun to allude to things they see in human populations. For instance, baboons do not like to be stared at. When you do stare at them, they get aggressive. This is like humans. In an elevator, everyone looks up at the floor number to avoid confrontation. I guarantee students remember these stupid examples.
I live to have the adult learner teach themselves. I encourage the students to bring their own knowledge to the table and share it with everyone else. Questions are e-mail and then discussed in class.
I try to give real life examples in class to show how certain sections are relevant to their future jobs.
I review my instruction at the end of quarter
i believe at times i change my style of teaching to convince others that might not agree with the way i do things.i have found out that the way i have been doing things is right with in the guidelines of this coures material its refreshing.
Some techniques that can help me further develop, refine and enhance my instructional style can be taking courses on instructional style, reviewing feedback from students and superiors, and networking with other faculty members to discuss their methods and style. Observing others, reviewing feedback from students, attending faculty seminars and educational offerings are valuable resources to help improve. I also try to view myself from the student's eye to help understand how students might perceive my instructional style. I am a big believer in continuous growth and continuous improvement.
Be fun; keeping professionalism upfront;
Offer a cliff-hanger to keep them coming back for more.
Hi Linda,
Thanks for sharing these strategies with us. Each of them reveals information that can be used for instructional planning. You are then able to adjust your delivery to meet their respective needs.
Gary
I think observing other instructors would be an excellent way to further develop, refine and enhance my instructional style.
Although my personality might be different, and even my interpersonal styles, seeing another instructor in action would provide a foil against which I could compare my own style. I could see what I like about others' instructional styles, what seems to work with students, and could even see ways in which I think I might be stronger.
By observing other instructors I should be able to take some learning back with me to help me develop my own instructional style.
Always be prepare and organize
I ask students to give/work out examples of the material which I have presented in order to check on whether they have absorbed the material.
Vocational Instructor (10 years)
Before I start any class, I use a "What Type of Learner Are You" questionaire. This tool allows me to identify the type of learners that are in the class. The next tool I use is a simple writing assignment; the student will describe why he/she enrolled in my course. This tool allows me to evaluate the learner writing and read capibilities. The last tool I use is, "Introduction of Self"; this tool allows me to identified the outgoing verses shy students. Using these tools help to set the classroom atmosphere in regards to subject discussions
(Critial Thinking), test taking abilities, in-class/lab assignments and minimal homework.
Hi Alice,
This is a good way to internalize student feedback. This way you can strive for growth as an educator but also be able to stick to your goals for the course.
Gary
I am always intrigue to read the survey provided by the students. Keep in mind every class is different. These surveys only reflects half of the reality of adult instruction. However, the tempo of the class would be of great interest and use to my future instructions.
Hi Jenny,
Welcome to teaching. I wish you much success in this wonderful career area. You are impacting lives each day you teach and never forget that as you prepare your lessons.
The more ways you can help your students to develop problem solving and critical thinking skills the more successful they will be. So keep looking ways to help them acquire this expertise.
Gary
I am new to the teaching profession but I'm looking to utilize my work experience to properly instruct my students. I'm also relying on my coaching ability, I used to coach girls basketball for one of the local school districts. As a coach you are also a role model, manager and motivator each and every day.
I am a first time instructor. I have just come from 11 years in clinical practice and am having an interesting time trying remember that my students know nothing about what I am teaching. I try to check with them frequently during the lecture to make sure they are understanding the material. I also have the students get up in front of the class and draw diagrams of the way they are understanding the material. This way I can get an idea of their thought processes as they are reaching their conclusion. In my field it is important to think things through keeping in mind much info, and sometimes to do it in a few brief minutes, because the outcome can be life or death. It is easy to memorize info to spit back on a test but it is very different to explain the process to your peers to show how you arrived at your conclusion.
Hi All,
Will you share the ways that you defined and then refined your instructional style?
Thanks in advance for your input.
Gary
Personally, I think it would be more helpful to get all of the insturctors on board with my teaching style and my goals for the students. It would also be good for the other instructors to encourages students to come to me for assitance with my assignments or questions about my presentations. Since I do not have my own class/classroom and I pop in and out of other instructor's classes, it would be helpful to make sure everyone had the same goals/expectations for the students. I always try to voice my availability and willingness to help the students and I hope that message is coming across.
I would very much like to learn how to better express to students that I am here to help them with their educational goals, even though I do not see them in a classroom every single day.
