I really value the use of reflection to improve my instructional style. After each class period I reflect on how it went, explore the positive aspects and very importantly, reflect on what could have gone better. This way I am constantly improving on my instructional style.
It is also important to take the class into consideration; ie. not all classes are alike. As an instructor I need to vary my instructional style to meet the needs of each class's particular needs.
I definitely agree being a mentor to them is improtant.
I also love asking them questions.. Getting them to think, problem solve, brainstorm ideas and solutions.
I also greatly value student input regarding my style and instruction. They provide valuable info for reflection and improvement!
attend professional development courses
I ensure that I am professionally dressed, arrive in class early enough to provide instructional materials (including writing information of blackboard/white board/smartboard), and am ready to start the class with motivation for the students.
I take in a relaxed manner with the class taking into account their previous classes, discuss what we will be doing (specific homework, specifice lectures, specific classwork, quizzes, tests, etc.) before the class itself starts.
Go over homework, classwork going around the room so all class members participate. At the end of the class, I summarize what we have covered in the class, and what will be covered in the next class session.
I think that making the students into great technicians is my biggest focas. I will try to work on my skills on conveying the correct info needed to do so and in a fun way. I plan on using my reviews to look at what I do and how I do it to better myself.
At the end of each week of classes, ask students to take 5 minutes and write down what two or three things they learn from the content presented. Then, will they ever use them in their future career and how. I can see this helping me to reinforce learning and prepare for the upcoming lessons.
I like to use the feedback surveys to help edit my lessons and the general flow of the class.
I am also in constant search of new ways enhancing my materials to better fit my learners. I feel the best thing I can do to help my students is to present materials in a way that will most benefit them. I edit and tweak my lessons constantly.
As an administrator and manager, my instructional style is one of a lecturer/motivator. I need to develop more technological skills such as the use of computer software to enhance my instructional skills.
I find that observing other instructors is very beneficial. My subject matter is very "hands on," so watching how other instructors in my field approach some of the more technical aspects is helpful. I also find it useful to try and think back to how I felt when I started out in my field, with no idea of what I was doing. Sometimes it's easy to forget that what is so automatic for me is brand new for a student. By reminding myself of how I felt when it was all brand new, I can modify my approach.
Ethan: I am curious - what have you disagreed with? Voicing your opinion helps with course development!
I agree with many of your points about developing and revising your style. It is very important not to become stagnent - our teaching style should always be a 'work in progress'
Our surveys are automtically generated, which is nice because we get feedback twice during a session. We also respond to a survey, which helps with course development and revision.
It help me identify new ways of teaching my students.
I agree. We need to get feedback from our students. How do you go about getting feedback from them and when?
I try to do a 3x5 card at the half way point and ask the questions:
1. Rate the course so far from 1 to 10
2. Write down things that you like about the course.
3. Write down things that you don't like about the course.
At this point, I can get some feedback from students to find out what I need to tweak in my instructional method. However, sometimes I wish I could get this type of feedback sooner, like once a week or every two weeks. The reason being if I am doing something that is not conducive to the class's learning style, I may not pick up on that or get feedback from them until the half way point. I don't want to wait that long, so what do others do to verify that their methods are continually working and are aimed towards the class's learning style?
Yes, I find the surveys a great way to learn how effective my teaching style can be.
When time allows I like to implement a midterm survey of my own to assess student learning and needs in the classroom.
Does anyone else find this to be effective?
Jean Graham
Surveys can be a real wakeup call if you are doing something that promotes a strong reaction (either positive or negative). Without feedback we become arrogant, and our style becomes stilted and dated.
Good idea if you are teaching in a brick and mortar. I can invite my 'mentor' into my virtual classroom if I feel that I need help or feedback.
I agree - but often you don't get the opportunity to make changes until the end of the course since (in my case) there is no repetition and the flow of information is mainly one-sided.
However, having said that, I do listen to feedback that I receive from students who are struggling with elements of an assingment, or concepts that are a part of a previous lesson. In those cases I often repeat information in the first part of the next class - focusing on the issues brought up in questions that I received (via e-mail or phone) prior to the next class.
In addition, I will often post a tutorial/demo for students to view - this also helps a lot. Teaching in the 'virtual' classroom presents a variety of challenges - especially when it comes to getting feedback quick enough to implement changes.
Hi Karen,
Having another set of eyes looking at how you are delivering instruction is a good way to help you expand your abilities as an instructor. The key is to always be looking at ways you can develop your expertise as an educator. This is a sign of a dedicated professional.
Gary
Hi Jonathan,
Yes, getting a baseline on students and then securing as much information as you can about the students gives you insight on how to plan your instructional delivery.
Gary
I'm a huge believer in 360 feedback, so I endeavor to solicit that wherever possible. Students are the first source for that, but waiting for end-of-course feedback from student surveys is just one component of receiving that feedback. A teacher has to be tuned in to the class and how the students are responding each step of the way. I try to monitor that constantly, always vigilant for signs that a particular approach is or is not working--and equally important with whom it does or does not work. At the end of the day, I reflect on those experiences and build upon the successes, incorporating them into new lesson plans.
