I think Adaptation is the best was to improve yourself as an instructor
I believe that finding a style that is comfortable to me and compatible with the instructional setting is most effective for students. The usage of continuing education courses and medical journals is an asset. Bringing to my students text book knowledge and real life demonstrations that correlate to an productive learning environment. To always remember to come to class prepared and full of excitement for the new learning materials. Always engaged with my students and keep them challenged!
There are many things an instructor can do to improve their instructional style. The primary thing you should do is put yourself in the students shoes and provide real life examples that relate to the current content. This will keep them interacted and engaged.
I try to find and utilize fun and engaging ways to instruct that fit within the institutional guidelines. For example, on occasion I set up a game whereby the students are grouped into two sides and we answer multiple choice question slides on PPT. They really enjoy it as evidenced by their active participation; it’s something they look forward to. At present I do so once per module. From my point of view it serves as an additional review of the material covered, therefore further cementing the information in my students’ minds, which in turn, further increases their chance of post-graduation success.
I agree that this is a great idea. it gets the class involved and talking. Usually once a student starts talking, others usually join in the conversation. It's great to break up the monotony and create a potentially good discussion.
I don't know how I feel about cell phones in the class. It's hard for students to not be on their phone doing other things. If you have a class on their phones, many of them in my opinion would be playing a game or texting because of the temptation that is there. I don't allow cell phones in class and neither does our school. We have certain areas they are allowed in only.
Thank you very much, I will give this a try!
Sherry,
This is a good way to get a feel for what the characteristics are of a good instructor and then you can shape your own teaching around that. A lot of your instructional style will be based upon your personality so make sure you know how you come across to your students and use your personality to your advantage when interacting with the.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I agree with this. It is hard to monitor each and every student when cell phones are being allowed in the class room and the students can easily take advantage of their use ie checking social media instead of performing the educational task.
I like the idea about listing the pros and cons of my past instuctors. Remembering what helped me learn will help me be a more effective teacher.
Brian,
Videoing your lectures can have real value if you are looking for ways to improve your instructional delivery. The key is to sit down and look for specific areas that you want to improve and focus on them. For example maybe you want to improve the way you start a class off each time. Recording this and then looking at how you do it and what the reaction of your students are will give you a lot of good information concerning improvement. Another way is to have a experienced instructor sit down with you and review the video to see what he or she picks up in terms of suggestions. Be open to suggestions and you will learn all kinds of ways to be more effective and efficient in your instructional delivery. I wish you much success in your efforts.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I'm new to instructing and am looking for that comfortable middle ground in lecture. I've been considering recording my lectures and reviewing them afterward. Is there any real benefit to that or am I just wasting time?
Debby,
What are some ways that you do this both in your field and in instructional development?
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Keep up-to-date with current evidenced based teaching strategies
Angie,
I agree with you that students could use their cell phones to actually assist them in learning, but we need to have a way to know that they are not just on there playing games.
Val
I use lectures, videos, computer assigments and presentations.
MICHAEL,
This is a good way to approach professional development and gain additional insight as well as expertise in instructional effectiveness. You have a great attitude and this goes a long when interacting with students and being the learning leader you want to be.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I guess exactly what I am doing now. By continuing to involve myself with any professional development that will benefit, not only myself as an Instructor, but my students as a class. My personal style coupled with maybe some constructive criticism with my technique and of course professional development directly pertaining topics related to my Instruction.
Cenek,
You tell the students what your rules are for cell phone use in class. Then enforce the rule and be consistent. As a result there will be no problems as the students will quickly start to follow your rules. If they don't then remind them and enforce them.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
How do you control cell phone useage in your classroom?
Cenek
