I go over instructor assesments with my ed manager
to help refine my style
Hi Myra,
I commend you for your efforts to embrace technology in giving instruction and receiving feedback. This takes time and dedication. Our college has purchased and discarded three different systems to date. This means a lot of effort to learn each system and then start all over again with a new one. Each system has merit so we instructors try our best to keep up to date with them as we are trying to do what you are doing--stay current with the technology so we can use it to benefit our students.
Gary
Hi Rockford,
You have a comprehensive view of how adult learners should be encouraged and instructed. By using the components and strategies you listed effective learning is going to occur. Well explained. This will be valuable to many other instructors.
Gary
Dr. Meers
What time frame do you and others feel would be appropriate for getting feedback from the students during the term? After every assignment, once a week, etc.
I find that I sometimes wait to long before getting feedback allowing me to make changes that make the learning environment more tailored to the students. But I am afraid if I am constantly asking for feedback, I won't get any or it will not be honest.
Thanks.
I try to make sure that each student has practiced the math objective and had success with this practice before leaving the classroom. I have tried many different methods, including the use of personal whiteboards flashing the answer they achieve. I am now teaching with a Smartboard and am hoping with more training I can find a method that will accommodate my quest to have some feedback each hour on each student’s progress. In addition I am always hoping that at conferences and even day to day interaction with other teachers, that I can learn from their successes.
I try to make my classroom interactive and encourage students to express concerns if they are not understanding a concept. I try to make a safe environment where others feel free to join in on the explaination, or clarification so that we are all working together on clarity not competing for grades.
I appreiciate the applications that can be derived from resources within the classroom . bt observing student s and listening to their chatter allows me to modify my teaching technique.
Hello,
I do my utmost to develop an engaging and relaxed learning environment. A comfortable place to learn sparks creativity and promotes excellence.
In the college course room, tone and instructional form and delivery create this atmosphere. As adult learners, students should be encouraged to interact in and lead their educational journey to the fullest extent in the course through active dialogue and discussion, forming the content to what best meets the students' needs within the context of the learning objectives.
Moreover, organization supports instructional form and delivery. Objectives should prompt the delivery, which should all relate to assessment. These ideas should be stated earlier and often. Adult learners need clear expectations and respect at all times.
At the same time, the learning environment can also be infused with fun and positive energy through varied topics and delivery tools and media and encourages a lively and active classroom.
Hi Bruce,
Welcome to the teaching profession. Sounds like you are off to a good start already. The use of guest speakers is always a way to generate interest and get the students motivated. Your speaker has proven that he/she is successful as a result of owning two restaurants so the stories that were told serve to motivate and encourage the students. I use guest speakers a lot because they reinforce what I am telling my students.
Gary
Hi Kristen,
A friend can be defined in a professional setting as a "kindred soul" type person. One that is supportive, encouraging, demanding and caring. That professional friend is not a social pal to go out with.
Be friendly with your students. Smile at them, laugh with them, share with them but keep the relationship professional and contained within the college setting.
Gary
Hi Jane,
You reflect the saying "to teach is to learn twice". I think about this quote often as I prepare for class because it really is true. This is part of the reason I love being a teacher.
Gary
Hi Tim,
I like the way you create a connection in the minds of your students as they conclude a weeks worth of instruction. This helps them to see application and relevancy to what they have been learning.
Gary
Hi Scott,
This is a very good point all of instructors need to remember. We all were there once just as our students are now. So we need to try and see things through their eyes as we plan and share our content.
Gary
Hi Linsey,
Great way to get feedback from your students. Thanks for sharing this strategy with us.
Gary
Hi Jean,
I use something similar to help me get feedback from my students throughout the course. I give them 3X5 cards and have them give me their feedback on the just completed assignment, project or activity. They don't sign the cards so they can be candid. I get great feedback and I have never to date received any feedback that was inappropriate. The students are honest in how they feel and that lets me get a read on the course as well as improve on the assignment,etc. next time.
Gary
Hi Barbara,
Good point. We need to take this feedback into consideration as we plan for our next courses. This way we get better at what we do and our students receive the benefit of our improvement.
Gary
At the end of each module, I review the surveys that the students provide on the course content, my delivery and what suggestions they have. Based on these results, I modify my lectures to create a more conducive learning environment for the students. Taking courses that advance my technique as well as conversing with fellow instructors to expand my delivery methods, also assists in creating a positive learning environment.
Awesome point. We definitely need to gear our style to our audience. Example: I have a student with past military experience so is very suseptible to loud sounds causing PTSD. So, I tone down in that class and vary up other options and styles.
Nice job bringing in an outside speaker who relates to your class. You brought the objectives of the class to life! A field trip to the speakers restaurant or another restauraunt would be another great step!
Thanks for being honest Kirsten about being a new instructor and unsure about being a "freind" vs "pal." I like the word mentor or role model better than friend or pal. If you say a friend is there to listen, assist, and support, then I guess you would be a friend. But yes, there is a definite boundary. The reason I don't use friend is because I believe a friend is there for everything, and as an instructor there are times you need to step back. Instead of a label of friend or pal, I recommend being engaged with the students, supportive, create experiences for them, hold them responsible and accountable, and have fun with them. You are very right to keep an appropriate boundary.
I feel my style reflects my class. I work at a Business and Technical School that has a really diverse age group of learners with varying levels of experience in the real world. I tend to adjust my style and classroom techniques to the changing demographics from term to term ... yet I still feel I have a definite style ...eclectic, I guess.
