I am a new instructor at a culinary school teaching management. I am using a conversational style of education, using class input to keep the students engaged in the learning. Yesterday, I did bring in a guest who owns two restaurants and provided a very inspirational stories. This is my first class on education theory and find it very interesting. Thank you
I am a really new inexperienced instructor and have not gotten into my "instructional style" feel as of yet. Your module 1 was very informative though and posed some good ideas. I do have one topic though. Boundaries! How do you be their friend without crossing over into pal? I dont want to be too stiff and rigid and not have any rapport there either?
I don't look to instruction as being micro managing. I do agree with the mentoring philosophy!
I learn a lot from my students in class. I encourage them to bring in course related articles to aid in our discussions. I challenge them to bring in questions and if I cannot answer them, than as a class we research either in the school’s library or online to get an answer.
I agree. In order to be a good educator, you must be a life-long learner. I also learn from my students and take back info for future use. I need to learn from their experiences so i can tie these experiences into future lessons, too, so the education is relevant.
I really enjoy working collaboratively with other classes on objectives and application. I do believe this is also very beneficial for the students.
I like to watch my fellow veteran instructors to see what kind of teaching techniques they employ in the classroom.
Mentoring is the key to micro managing a class
Know the Market Demands:
Teaching technical courses at a career college is more than just teaching academic material. As an instructor I need to be aware of what the latest technology developments are to help prepare students for jobs that accurately meet what employers are seeking.
I also try to make sure that the students understand the things that are applicable in more than one course. I love it when they make connections that they can carry over into another classroom situation!
I believe that I am both a teacher and a learner. Because I want to be the best educator I possibly can, I try to expand my knowledge base as much as possible. I read (and reread) the texts. I also seek out new sources online and in the library so I can increase my own knowledge. I also take advantage of professional development opportunities.
Also, if I find something is not working in class or I sense that the students have not fully grasped a concept, I never hesitate to modify a lesson plan accordingly.
Looking back isn't as helpful to me as compared to speaking with present day students. I graduated from high school over 30 years ago, so students are different today than back then. Furthermore, technology has changed so much that instruction can now encoporate so many new ideas and tools. I find it ismost helpful for me to look ahead vs back because I am preparing the learners for the future, so it is my responsibility to reach them where they are today and move ahead. (Just a different perspective than looking back.)
I have found that digging into my past and revisiting when I was a student has helped. What instructors did I like the most and more importantly learn the most from? Analyzing their styles and seeing if they are compatible to mine has given me a lot of direction in this area.
You can look for outside resources and classes, too, that are helpful. There is a lot out there!
I like this idea. I will start using this method in my classes. Thanks.
review student evaluations as well as taking advantage of seminars offered by my employer and text book publishers
Yes, keeping the instructor motivated and excited about their chosen profession is a very key element of instruction which is often overlooked. We focus so much on the learner, but it is also important for the instructor. Continuing ed classes are great for bring new life into our instruction.
One thing that helps keep me motivated is taking continuing educations classes. Taking these classes helps in three ways: it keeps me up to date on the most current modalities in my profession, it keeps me excited about my chosen career, and it gives me the chance to be a student so I can learn from other teachers instructional methods.
Participating in professional development courses definitely enhances my instructional style and abilities.
