New Instructors
There should be a good training period for new Instructors for at least two weeks. This will have a great impack on their success as a new employee.
Marissa,
I agree. Look at things through the eyes of students and you will be fine. If you see what they are seeing you will be able to correct the things that need correction and support the things that are already there.
Gary
As a new instructor I feel the only way to learn become comfortable in the enviroment is to observe it for a short period of time.
Hi Dena,
I love hearing these types of stories. You are only going to continue your growth and enjoyment of teaching as a result of your efforts. I wish you much teaching success.
Gary
Hi Claudia,
Good attitude about professional development. It is fun to learn about how you can be a more effective and efficient instructor. Keep up the effort to expand your expertise.
Gary
I started out as a brand new instructor with no formal "classroom" training and had no orientation. I found it very difficult during the first few weeks to get into the "groove", but now things are going smoothly and I feel stronger as an instructor everyday!
It is vital that all instructors get some sort of training period before they attempt to teach in the classroom. For students to learn, the instructor must have credibility. Not having any teaching training, although an expert in the field will mitigate any credibility instructors may have. It the students don’t believe an instructor can communicate the material effectively expertise will not matter. If the students continuously see an instructor fumbling they will not take what he has to say seriously.
When I became a new instructor, I had to learn things as I went along. I never had any type of training or any kind of guidance. This was a big burden for me; I believe that with the proper training. I can be a better instructor.
I agree that a training period should be available to all new instructors. Observing courses that are related to the subject, workshops with experienced instructors, introductory education such as these online professional development course should all be prerequisites for a new instructor. These workshops should include activities that represent a typical day of didactic instruction, different scenarios that arise on a daily basis, etc.
Hi Andrea,
I agree with the longer time period because the extra time gives you the opportunity to add additional strategies to your teaching expertise.
Gary
I am concerned that 2 weeks might not be enough time to develop the skills necessary to teach. As a career professional I possess the skills necessary to perform the job tasks but will that be enough for me to be able to convey this with the students?
I am thinking a 4 week training with multiple learning options would be best. I am reading, watching, and collecting information on all different styles of teaching in hopes of figuring out my style before I face students.
Hi Sheretta,
Good point and one that career colleges need to make a part of their new faculty orientation.
Gary
