I like to use a lot of hands-on activities in my classes but some of my classes you just can't do that in, such as Insurance. What kind of hands-on stuff can you really do in there? I try to break up lecture as much as I can because I'm a more visual person than a lecturer. I'm going to try to use some educational games or put more hands-on activities in to break up the boredom of lecture.
Take coureses on new materal and classes on teaching styles
Ask the students what best helps them learn. Understand the students individual learning styles
I could get students more involved, ask them questions regarding anatomy and physiology, and do more case preentations
I teach clinical at a hospital I use visual by showing files of prcedures, I also deonstrate procedures and do lecture for clinical content sich as la results and the sifnicance of abnormalities
Yes, I get to know my student on day one of my course. I then tailor the course and applications that I discuss in class to meet the interests of the students.
My students prompt my class presentation style,
I think the way you instruct in the class room is imperative to the students learning. If we instructors as have so much as 25 years experience in our feilds but cant relay the text or skills at hand to the students in a way they can grasp and retain information then all your experience wont matter. I personaly try to lighten things up a little by adding humor and real life scenarios so they can get a mental picture as well as just reading the text.
I need to develop more consistency in my approach to each student by becoming more involved in each students learning styles. Similarly, I need to develop more a more regimented approach as it applies to my expectation for my students. This can be accomplished by being more prepared for lectures, and facilitating classroom discussions.
Well said. I find it increasingly important to get to know everyone at my place of employment. Knowing who they are and what they do and how their job benefits the students is key to knowing who to send the student to when he/she has a need that goes beyond the subject matter of the class I am teaching.
I believe to understand one's instructional style is to really understand what has made one successful. By this I mean we all have "technical" knowledge and a good instructor is one who can reflect on how he/she applies this knowledge in real world situations and instills this technique, this passion on students in order that the student not only grasps the technical aspects of knowledge but also the practical application of this knowledge.
Being flexible seems to be the key in many of life's journeys. I am constanly learning from my class time with students.
Sometimes the subject material I am teaching is too heavy in theory and information. A technique I can employ to enhance my instructional style is using didactic materials such as videos, music, images, stories and other mediums that can help students connect the information to their life experience or individual skills. Another technique is to avoid falling into the role of being the "dictator" of the class, where I am tempted to be the "know it all" or to show off my knowledge of the topic. Students often have their own knowledge about the topic through experience, and it's important that I acknowledge the value of this, and facilitate the learning environment to allow them to expand on their experience.
Like Louis' reply, I also find the student surveys to be very helpful. I also adjust my teaching style, from class to class, based on what I think works or could use improvement.
Hi Anthony,
I am new to teaching, and the definition of a mentor was really helpful to me. I want to help my students in anyway I can, without being a problem solver for them.
Alissa
Hi Jim,
Good quote and good advice contained within it. Thanks for sharing it with us. You are right it is work to engage every student when you have larger classes but every effort you can put forth in this area will be well worth it.
Gary
To enhance my instructional style, I can employ the methods discussed in this course. For list a few, I should know my college and the basis for my college's curriculum. Additionally, knowing my content and subject material is crucial so I appear informed and professional in my educational approach. Equally important, is understanding and taking the time to know and survey my students. There are a few ways in which I can develop, refine, and enhance my instructional style.
I have a borrowed quote from a class I took years ago:
Read to a student and they will forget.
Show a student and they will remember.
Involve a student and they will understand.
I try very hard to involve students with their own education. It is very hard sometimes with a class of 30 students or more to get the one on one time to just talk about the subject at hand. I try my best to use this style and it seems to work.
Hi Junior
Great idea! Thanks for sharing it with us. This is a fun and informative activity that enables you to interact with the students while enjoying a laugh or two concerning the contents of products they are using.
Gary
