Expanding Your Instructional Abilities
What are some ways you can expand your instructional abilities?
I like to sit on other instructors classes.Take notes on what I would do different or even use in my classes
By keeping abreast of new and innovative procedures. This can be done by internet,talking with suppliers,and observing in dental offices occasionally,and through organizational magazines.
I am always looking for ways to motivate and inspire especially those students who are turned off by "English" before they even walk into the classroom. I know this usually is a signal of past poor performance and/or poor skills, usually in reading and grammar. Techniques that help students feel they are making a new beginning and might possibly succeed are of great value, and I am constantly on the alert for new ideas. I read and I talk with other teachers and I try my own ideas to see if they work. Obviously, different things work with different students. Three statements that I am using frequently that students appear to be responding to are "My objective is to help you make as much money as possible", "My goal is for you to look as good on paper as you look in person", and finally "This English class is different from any English class you have been in before; you are going to succeed in this class". I would say trying other teacher's suggrestions and experimenting with my own ideas are my primary modes of expansion at the moment.
Observe other teachers. I've gotten some great ideas from other teachers here. Whether it's using a certain method like games/interactive discussions etc, this helps. Then, as with anything, the key is to try it on your own with your class. Sometimes it's a huge success, sometimes you have to tweak a few things!
Hi Valerie,
This is a great way to give you an accurate picture of how you present yourself and your content. By looking over the videos you will be able to pick up on things you need to change and what you are doing well in quick order. Keep looking for creative ways to engage your students and you will have a very successful career.
Gary
Since I am a new instructor I'm going to start recording my class sessions to critque my teaching style. I also plan on utilizing multiple means of delivering my message. I have most often refered to longer lectures but it makes sense to break down the content into shorter lecture sessions and incorporate activities, demonstrations, group activities, etc.
My instructional abilities can expand by taking more formal classes on the theory and practice of the learning process. Since I have not taken formal college classes in teaching, I believe I can learn more on this subject and become a more effective teacher.
Hi Kristin,
A dedicated instructor is one that is constantly working to expand his/her expertise. Your comments cover strategies for how this can be done. As a result teaching becomes a much more effective process for students.
Gary
I can expand my instructional abilities through continuous learning and adapting to my consistently changing adult learners. The demographic for our student population while adult learners is greatly varying in life experiences and their reasons for attending our school. Therefore as an instructor, must continually adapt to the audience and material so the information is accurately communicated.
Taking these courses and others and going back to school for a higher education
Using different methods such as powerpoint, videos or even represent real situations in the field, making it more dynamic and interesting class.
I can expand my instructional abilities by participating in courses that yield new ideas, and consulting with other instructors that have real life experieince on techniques that work in the classroom.
Some ways that I can expand my instructional abilities is by thinking of past teachers and how they performed in the classroom. I can evaluate what feels comfortable to me and my personality type and build on that. I understand that the technique I use may not be the same for each course I teach nor will it be the same as I receive new students. I will always have to be on the look out for ways to adjust and improve.
Sherry
The related topics enhanched my knowledge in instructional performance.
I have learned the most from classes such as these and also from other teachers. Teacher skills are the most important for student's to want to learn.
I find that learning the student and how they learn is the most effective way to develop instructional ability. Knowing if a student is a visual, auditory or critical learner is of utmost importance as it will help me to adjust my style to facilitate their success.
Hi Carolyn,
Good plan for learning how you can offer variety in your instructional delivery. Instructional delivery expertise comes from observing others, attending and taking professional development courses and being creative, all of which you are doing. You are well on your way in developing your expertise as an instructor.
Gary
I can possibly expand my instructional abilities by observing my peers during one of his/her classroom sessions. As an instructor in criminal and constitutional law, I rely heavily on the lecture when presenting information to my students.
Lifelong learning.....taking courses that relate to our subject so we can expand our knowledge and use that knowledge to help our students learn.
