I try to ensure that I teach on all learning styles so that everyone can understand the information I am giving them. I always ask my class to inform me if there is a style of learning that I may not be addressing for them.
I agree that Mentorship is a great way to encourage a student and it gives them someone they can go to if they have questions.
Chef Holton
Try to not rest on my laurals but to constantly find materials to add to my program that increase the relevance of each segment.
If it doesn't work, deleate it.
The techniques that I have employed to develop my instructional style involves learning from the students. When I first began teaching Speech Communication I spent a lot of class time going over the course text using a lecture format and giving small quizzes. As time progressed I spend more time having the students actually presenting the chapters to the class. The students think that they are just "presenting chapters" however, I know that they are mastering "public speaking."
I feel that the best technique I can employ would be talking to, and observing other instructors. Not many people are masters at one thing, so getting feedback by observing will provide the opportunity to enhance your teaching techniques.
giving an outline of the lecture for the day. talking briefly with a student or two prior to class about our subject
I use the surveys as a basis also. I also dig into topics via the internet or books if I feel I am lacking in knowledge
Engaging students with question/answer periods in the lecture breaks up the monotony of a monologe with just the instructor speaking.
First and foremost I feel it is vital to be a role model to your students. I try to do this by earning their respect. Ways of accomplishing this are being professional and being prepared. Having the lesson organized and presenting the subject matter explicitly.
When students trust you professionally they will then start to trust you personally. Building relationships through education is a wonderful thing. Students need role models and mentors to be successful in their lives. If there is a lack of positive representation, they may not develop soft skills needed to ultimately be successful.
When students can apply the knowledge they have learned and also gain knowledge of communication skills, they can ultimately go on to be successful.
I am fairly new to teaching in the the field however I believe that satisfaction surveys are a great way to measure performance. In college I hoped that some of the classed that I attended where I didn't find the instructor as helpful, motivating or a good role model would be read and that somehow they would find this helpful to improve on their instructional methods. I would want feedback from the beginning; getting it at the end of the session maybe a bad time because I many have lost student motivation and interest in even finishing school.
I am always concerned about my level of knowledge when presenting material to my class." I want to know it inside and out."
Continue to show improvement by taking classes, find mentors, attend educational and subject specific conferences. Always be improving.
Verbalizing before and during is a very good techniue because it makes the student very aware and tuned in to what they are doing. It also helps to keep them focused on what needs to be done.
I do the clinical portion of the course. Which is observation and demonstration. If the student has a procedure to do. I have them verbalize the procedure first, and then do the procedure, while I am observing. I then review what they have done and will comment or critiqe.
One technique is application. If I were to apply the things I learn in instructional courses, it would show in my students test grades and in the way they respond to my teaching methods.
I am teaching in the Criminal Justice field. I try to teach the students what to expect during their law enforcement careers. I also emphasize that the field is ever changing and that they will experience different circumstances nearly everyday of their time on the job. This is what makes this field so interesting.
Hi Yvette,
It is great when you have someone that you can depend on to help you with your professional growth and development. With a mentor you know you are not going it alone so when questions come up you have a source to go to.
Gary
With my own personal profession as a Chiropractor, I have to listen to many other instructors for my continuing education. I find myself critiquing them and applying what I like or don't like about their teaching style to my own personal teaching style.
I find this to be very helpful in developing a teaching style that works for my personality and that also creates a good learning experience for my students.
John
I agree having a mentor also. I have never been a full-time instructor and it is great help to have someone on your side when the help is needed.
