Something I learned from this module is the importance of identifying one's strengths and weaknesses in regard to teaching. I think by doing that I can discover ways to improve within the classroom and reach the students in new ways. I agree with the point made on the video clip that the instructor's excitement about the material is contagious. Trying new things can reignite the instructor's passion, which leads to student excitement as well.
By preparing my course outline, properly explaining it to my student body from day one, and being excited to see every student and greeting them at the beginning of every class!
I could attend continuing education classes, sit in classrooms with my peers for observation purposes, and get to know my students' learning styles.
It is important to perfect your teaching abilities and express new methods for reaching an ever changing mind set of new students entering into your class room. By improving your skills you continue to learn a variety of new concepts and in turn provide a fresh spin on your presentation. By seeking updated information and attending current training session, along with exchanging ideas with other professionals in the teaching field, one is much better equiped to pass on a more creative method for learning.
Hi John,
Great goals. Let me know if I can help you achieve those goals as you move through the course.
Gary
Sir,
This is one of the reasons I am in this course, I want to expand / improve my abilities. I would specifically like to do the following:
a. lose a sense of "nervousness" before engaging a new class (I am new to this job.)
b. be able to think fast on my feet (to address related topics)
c. be able to present information in a logical sequence (and not become distracted, nor distract students)
I look forward to learning more as we go along.
Hi James,
What a great content background you have. As a result you can concentrate on your instructional delivery as you select your content. I would suggest you do some online/reading research in the areas of multiple intelligences (ED 108 is a course that has several modules on MI) learning preferences, and cognitive processing. This information will help you to see how knowledge is acquired through different learning formats so you will be able to build your instructional delivery from there.
Gary
I have a BA in English and three master's degrees but no formal training in teaching. Could you recommend some basic topics to study?
One way for me is by taking this course. another is to involve myself in as much educational teaching as I can.
I am reassured by all of your comments about actively engaging the students. I am very new to teaching and received little instruction on execution. I implmented hands on learning in my class with several activities to engage students as opposed to just lecturing for an hour and half. It has worked beautifully.
Hi Lenny,
I like the way you have laid out some options for professional development. The key is to look for those opportunities and then avail yourself of them. As a result your skills are going to expand and student satisfaction will increase. A win win for everyone.
Gary
There are a variety of ways to expand one's instructional abilities. Some methods include observing other instructors, enrolling in courses, and reflecting on your teaching. By observing other instructors, you will learn new tools to incorporate in your teaching. There are a plethora of classes offered that focus on specific teaching strategies and designing effective instruction. Reflecting on our teaching is important, because we can identify where students struggled and modify our lesson plan for next time.
Hi Jan,
You are going the right thing in reaching out to such students. The personal attention can really help in you getting to know them better and they realizing that you care about their success. Also, you are doing a good job of helping to expand your instructional abilities by being observant and striving to offer variety to your students, like the choices option you offered them.
Gary
There are several ways I try to expand my instructional abilities. I believe taking continuing education courses for educators as well as TTT courses are important to my growth as an educator. I try to attend or take any courses offered to me. I have also found the instructors manuals provided by my institution to be very helpful. I as so take the students feedback into consideration at the end of each course I teach. This helps me adjust or recognize areas that I may need to develop.
As I am still developing and finding out what my style is, I am still met sometimes with students that seem to be determined to appear uninterested, or to hurry and get this class over so they can leave. So whatever my style is, may not be the best answer to this challenge. So far reaching out to them individually during lecture times seems to have helped. Those that I have observed seem to have some of the same type of students. I may try asking would they like to hear more about a, b, or c and give them some choices.
Hi Jennifer,
I agree about the benefits of attending conferences and conventions. In addition to the information you gain you create networks that will help you throughout your career.
Gary
I've always found conventions a great way to keep current in my own field, librarianship. You learn not just from the presenters, but from talking to other people as well.
One way I have found to expand my instructional abilities is to watch another instructors. I still teach on ground and I am able to witness many different teaching styles. These stlyes have enhanced my abilities to teach. I enjoy watching the way different instructors relate to the students as well. I feel I am always learning! Peg Rapai
I could expand my abilities by trying new techniques. Incorporating other instructional methods into my presentations.
Hi Terry,
Right you are about keeping current. At times it seems like keeping up is taking a drink out of a fire hose. To much too fast. But your plan to attend conventions like the National Assoc. of Broadcasters is good one because they will bring to you at that moment in time the latest and greatest.
Gary
