I believe that everyone learns all different ways, the real key to being a good teacher is knowing how to adapt to all those different styles. They way I do that is to picture myself as a student and try to reach all of them on the different levels.
I think students desire and need a true taste of what they are potentially going to be doing professionally post graduation. I encourage my students to actively "network" their skills through volunteerism, part time jobs, etc., that will build their resumes and develop their skills. In class, we take many opportunities to experience a wide range of field trips and service projects to enhance their ability to learn in their field.
I like to ask for student feedback on my teaching techniques and how I can improve so that they can understand the material better. To get the necessary feedback I may use surveys or directly ask the students. Frequently, I do both. I will then change they way I am doing or "tweak it". I frequently get asked to use as many analogies and examples as I can. I have found that students seem to learn the best this way. I have also found that tying subjects and information together has been the best way to have students not just memorize the information, but learn it and be able to apply it to other content as well
An instructor has to be very attentive to the response of the students to his/her particular teaching style. Sometimes adjustments are in order, depending on the type of course or educational institution. Within the recommended standards, instructors should be ready to implement changes in style if needed. An English Composition Class for second-language learners has a lot more cultural references (maybe culture-shock jokes, references to the influence of sports, sitcoms, etc. in everyday language, to mention a few examples) than one for natives.
I'd like to think of myself more as an educator than as an instructor. At least that's my ultimate aspiration. I try to teach in a way that students can apply what they're learning, and I also try to give them several social contexts in which they can apply that knowledge. I teach English Composition, and for me that means also teaching about cultural referents, for example.
When I teach about resume writing, for instance, I also give tips about when to send it, what to expect, and I even venture into job interview tips.
I try to keep my instructional style flexible. Each class has its own unique culture, so I try to be flexible and adapt to what works best with the group. Paying attention to their reactions helps me refine my style.
The techniques you can employ in your classroom depends on the each class. One thing that is effective with one class may not be effective in another class. I think as an instructor you need to be aware of the attitude of the class and model and change your behavior according to the mood and attitude of the class. Always listen to your students wants and desires, ask questions and actually listen to their answers, never lose your intergity, and give respect.
Hi Toni,
Career college students like to be involved in their educational development. They are not passive but active in their learning. The idea of sharing their knowledge with others really helps them to become engaged in the learning process.
Gary
Hi Cristina,
Welcome to the profession. I hope you have a most rewarding career as an educator. You are on the right path with your professional development. Keep up your efforts and hone your observational skills and you are going to develop into a great instructional delivery expert.
Gary
I agree and have taken to asking my colleagues what they do and what works. I remember being so frustrated with people talking in abstract - giving ideas but never giving examples. I find that if I just ask other instructors specifically what works for them and how/why, I am able to adapt and apply it to my classes easily.
I have been focusing more on the opportunity to have students take a stronger lead in the classroom. It has taken me awhile to restructure my instructional style as I came from a traditional background of lecture/note taking. I see so much more growth in the students and hear more "ah hah's" when the teach eachother. I particularly like when they are able to present the chapter through the use of a case study prior to my lecture. Not only does it encourage them to look at the topic deeper, it also gives the lecture a focal point for examples.
I have asked students what they want to be when they grow up, and base upon their feedback I would provide materials or encouragement in regards to their goals.
I am always seeking students' feedback.
I would think that one should observe others and take note of styles or techniques that are engaging or, for that matter, disruptive. In addition, training and self-reflection can be useful tools. Student or faculty feedback can provide further insight.
Hello Dr Gary Meers
It is important to know how to present yourself and the subject you are teaching. You don't have to copy everything from your role models; but learn from them and be yourself. Students will see and respect that. Big group or small doesn't matter; if you are well prepared and love what you are doing you will be successful.
I am new to the teaching sphere however my initial instruction to myself was to observe as many classes previously to starting my course, so as to see how a more experienced instructor interacted and explained their material.
Also understanding that my present weakness may be lack of experience, but there is a strength in a fresh new view point to the material and my recent closeness to my field.
I have found making a "check list" prior to class very helpful for getting through the material each class. I also like to assign a time allotment for each topic, e.g. more time for higher priority topics and more difficult concepts. I don't set a timer or anything but it helps with better class time utilization.
I love to use real world examples, but I have a hard time in my introductory classes. Sometimes I feel that I have to spend so much time explaining the example so they understand that I'm not sure my overall goal is achieved.
Make a check list of the lessons you would like to tackle for that day. Use it as a guide for you to be able to discuss the topic in a systematic manner. Also use some good example that will stick in the students mind for their knowledge of what the topic was all about.
That's a great point, you must be flexible and cater to your students and their learning styles.
Encouraging teambuilding activities allows instructors to witness the interaction between students, which can be helpful in pairing up students in group activities/lab assignments.
this is difficult for new instructors because you are being compared to a set standard
I believe that your style needs to be open and adaptable to the class as it progresses in one direction or another.
