First Time Instructor
This is my first year as an instructor, and I have to admit it's been somewhat daunting. Between learning the curriculum, devising lesson plans, completing paperwork, and dealing with the occasional "stage-fright", I find myself second-guessing from time to time.
Looking to the more experienced instructors for guidance and reflecting on my own past eduction has helped the most when dealing with these challenges. Organizing my workload and becoming more comfortable in my role as an educator are the most important goals I've set for myself.
It is my first time as an instructor and it is a lot to learn and handle. Learning the curriculum is the easy part for me.
I think the biggest challenge is to earn their respect and confidence.
I'm not sure how I'm going to accomplish that.
I believe it is important to have a good professional relationship with my students, so they feel comfortable coming to me with their problems or concerns.
Hi Linda,
Welcome to another phase in your professional development. Being a teacher is a great way to share the knowledge and expertise you have acquired and developed over the past 28 years. I wish you much teaching success.
Gary
This is my first teaching expereince after being an RN for 28 years. I have always thought about becoming an educator and I finally acted on my thoughts and was rewarded with my first opportunity to teach! I see from the entry that being organized is a key factor to success.
Linda Cartwright
Hello,
While I'm not a first-timer, I remember those days and the challenges. Rest assured, it will get easier, but hopefully you will keep seeking improvement.
Getting student feedback is great. I find myself seeking more and more feedback as my career continues. Recently, I've even asked them to offer me criticism - I assured them I was seeking to improve professionally and they were my best resource. Most didn't say much, but some made some very particular observations that were very helpful.
Hi David,
Great to hear. I wish you much success in your teaching career. Let me know if I can ever be of help to you in the future.
Gary
Dr. Meers,
I will have to implement one of these great ideas when I teach. I already know that small groups work well in my career college setting.
Hi Stephanie,
You can use discussion groups to identify what they are learning as well as feedback cards. Give each student a 3x5 card and have him/her respond to a couple of general feedback questions. Don't have them put their names on the cards so they can be candid in their responses. They will give you good information that can be used to improve and expand your instructional delivery.
Gary
Hi Pattara,
I wish you continued success with your teaching. Keep on the path you have set for yourself and you will do fine. Through organization as you mentioned you will be able to see how to create the instructional flow you want and your students will be engaged and focused on learning.
Gary
Having mentors and having a faculty development specialist to help guide me made my first year end with a greater degre of success than I imagined.
Utilize the instructional materials to the fullest. The powerpoints that accompany most books provide a great framework to make your lectures more personalized while covering the learning objectives.
This is my first year as well. I have been overwhelmed at the amount of preparation time it takes and I worry that I am sometimes not getting through to my students.
I find that asking my students about what they are understanding and what they know helps me make sure I'm getting through to them.
Are there any other tips you have found while teaching that may be beneficial?
