By being aware of diverse learners in the classroom and planning lessons around those learners who may learn kinesthetically, visually, etc.
I feel observing other instructors is one great way to learn different teaching styles. Each teacher has their own methods and sharing can not only help individual instructos but also students. When they go into a new class after being used to a previous instructor, familiarity can be valuable!
I also think self recording (either just voice or video) and really point out key strengths and weaknesses. When you actually attend your own lecture, you feel and view similar to a student may interpret you.
I usally ask students at the start of each new class if they have a preffered method of learning. I want to make sure I teach to each student has an opportunity to learn.
Is there a way to identify if a student is grasping the concept of the lesson if they are not asking or answering questions .Or is that a good indication they are not.
Come to class early
Read updated material about the subject you are teaching
One thing I have found useful in expanding my own instructional abilities is teach a variety of classes when i first started out whether it be in my own field or Gen Ed classes to get a different perspective and a wider variety of students. This was usefeul to be ablet o experience more classroom situations and attempt new methods.
Hi Klaus,
Good to hear that you are continuing to with your professional development plan. The more knowledge you acquire and apply the more strategies you are going to have to use with your students. Keep up the good work.
Gary
Hi Bonnie,
Great to hear about your professional development. Observing other instructors is a great way to see how others approach the classroom while picking up pointers that you can use in your class.
Gary
By taking these courses.
I am using some of the items I learned and some have been reminders to do better such as remembering students names. I have to make more of an effort in that area.
Most valuable to me so far has been observing other instructors methods, discussing with them what works for them and what doesn't, and attending whatever learning opportunities are available to me. I have only been teaching now for about six months, but each module (5 week sessions) I find that I learn new and more effective methods of teaching and classroom management.
Hi Robert,
Thank you for sharing this list. This I know will be valuable to other instructors starting their teaching careers. You have touched on the key elements to keep students engaged and focused.
Gary
There are three main areas in which an instructor can expand their instructional capacities.
1. Technological
2. Pedagogical
3. Motivational
Technological
Technological knowledge expansion can take place through professional training, utilization in the classroom setting and feedback. Once a skill in a new technology is learned, take Adobe Connect for example, the instructor can apply this knowledge in a classroom environment and get feedback from a supervisor who views the archived chat.
Pedagogical
Pedagogical skill can be increased through observing the classes of other instructors, having other instructors view your own course, and through research, generally through professional development and/or coursework.
Motivational
Motivational abilities can be increased through awareness of student behaviors in the learning environment and feedback for mother instructors and/or supervisors. Motivational abilities include the communication with students who are not engaging in the course effectively, students who are not preforming up to class expectations and students who may be facing personal difficulties. As instructors, it is imperative that we contribute to the success of students and motivating them is an important step in that endeavor.
Hi Jane,
Good approach. The more application and relevancy you can bring in the more engagement you will have. Sounds like you have this strategy integrated well into your teaching.
Gary
Hi Dianne,
Good resource. Thanks for sharing it with us. This is quick and effective and is really helpful in instructional planning.
Thanks.
Gary
Hi Kenneth,
Sounds like you are doing a good job with your approach. As for getting around the classroom more you might want to use worksheets and have the students solve problems in groups. This way you could float around the classroom working with the groups and get a way from the board some. Then when you needed to go back to the board the students would be comfortable with that.
Gary
I can expand my instructional ability by understanding the make up of the class and their learning styles. Since my students are non-traditional evening students most learn better by hands on rather than lecturing. In Accounting, I present the subject material explain the theory show an example and let them complete the problems.
I found a web site in 2006 that is still available. It can be found by searching for DVC Learning Style Survey. It has 32 questions, takes 5 minutes or less, and not only gives the learning style but also gives suggestions to help the student learn. I have the students give me a copy and keep a copy for themselves. It seems to help the class go more smoothly. It also helps me to help students who are struggling.
I would like to set in on classes to observe other instructors for ideas I may steal. One problem I have is that I seem to be tied to the board. I teach math. It seems I am always writing on the board to show the techniques needed for the various math problems. I would like to find a way to walk around the room to more engage the students.
Taking a course that shows new approaches in instructing is useful to me
Through formal educational courses, continuing education, and faculty mentoring.
