Hi Andrew,
Spoken like a veteran instructor. You are going to do great as an instructor because you have a clear vision of what you want to accomplish with your students and how to get your points across.
Gary
As a relatively new instructor, I still feel my biggest areas of improvement are preparation, organization, and developing material for in-class-participation. I know my students enjoy my teaching style, as I am candid, lighthearted, and positive, while I relate to current issues and reflect on my own experiences in the resent past of being a fulltime student and worker. To me, especially in an Online Environment, lectures should be up-beat, interactive, and student-oriented, otherwise student participation decreases and class becomes more and more of a sermon rather than a learning experience. I love to talk. I know that is one of the reasons why teaching is something which comes naturally to me. However, if my classes consisted of a one hour speech with little to no student communication, I simply would feel like I failed in my attempts to educate and inspire. Which is the reason why I know that preparation, organization, and developing material for in-class-participation is crucial to success of my students and my teaching.
I am always always looking for the newest information out there in my field. If I can stay ones step ahead, I can expand my ability to be able to pass the info on to the student.
By taking courses apllied to your field of study
Hello,
I plan on utilizing more technology in the classroom such as video clips, music, and web searches. I know that there are some great websites out there for this, could you recommend some good books or internet resources for expanding instructional abilities and the use of technology?
Thanks,
Rebecca
Hi Tricia,
This is what professional development is all about. Thanks for sharing your experience about the seminars and how they were of benefit to you.
Gary
I recently expanded my instructional abilities by attending several workshops. the first being a 3 day seminar for instructor/healthcare professionals and the second one focusing on education and how to excite students with active learning. both were very different obviously but informative just the same. my background is medical so I was more enthused with the hospital setting, but I did step away from the educational seminar with some creative and interactive projects for students.
Current Events are very good ways to engage students. Similar to you, Kevin, I plan to use news reports and current social topics to engage my students in an effort to demonstrate how relevant the book material we are covering is.
Rebecca
One of the examples that was mentioned in the course was a professional development plan that includes technology. This is definitely one area that I plan to expand my ability as an instructor-by including small video segments, discussion boards, and internet searches in my courses.
Hi Jessica,
Good point about the need for a professional development plan. All of us in the educational field need to have a plan for expanding our knowledge and expertise as effective teachers. The results are better teaching, more learning and a higher level of student satisfaction. This is what teaching is all about.
Gary
I am constantly seeking ways to expand my instructional and value the ideas of other instructors for their "best practices". One of the techniques that I use is to listen to my students. I constantly monitor their needs and adjust my presentations accordingly. I seek student feedback on my presentations as they occur. I can make adjustments on the spot to motivate and address ongoing student concerns.
taking courses and learning how to deliver information to the class.
Dr. Meyers,
To expand my own instructional abilities, I think it is very important to make a continuing education plan. Taking the time to take courses like these really makes a big difference. An investment in time like this only pays off later, especially when used in conjunction with a long-term development plan.
Sincerely,
Jessica Gilpatrick
Your response highlights a method I find very useful. The students that tend to drift off are more attentive when they know they will be asked questions about the material. I use indivdual names of students to address my questions to rather than blanket questions to the whole class. The individuals know that at any time they may be called upon.
Planning for additional coursework and setting a timeline to achieve specific goals as an instructor rather than focusing on "expanding" or the plural "abilities".
This being my first teaching specific job, I found that by observing other instructors and utilizing the techniques I witness and tweaking them to my personal style (which I am still developing). I also learn well by being thrown in a sitution with little to know guidance; sink, swim or treading water, I learn from every aspect of the day.
Hi Jan,
I use a nesting format. I take the external resources and fold them into the course content. As for the external activities it depends on what I am asking the students to do. For example my students need to shadow a person in the field for four hours sometime during the first 4 weeks of class. I make arrangements for these experiences in a way that doesn't impose excessively on their time but still enables them to get the assignment completed. Hope that answers your question. If it doesn't please let me know and I will be glad to discuss it further with you.
Gary
I also provide quest speakers and group activites etc. However as noted to the above posting the student population have varied preferences and learning curves so it is difficult to please all of the studensts. For example soe students dislike groups or presentations while others very much enjoy these activities. I find student have different learning methods, and some student simple wish to complete the calss.
I believe the prep and planning for classes is essential. The lession plan and syllabus is as well. I also always arrive at class 10-15 minutes early every class, not just the first class. The most critical component of these modules I believe is the relationship building with the student, that is in fact the student's bridge to success and ownersip of the their participation in the class.
Ways to expand:
application and external sources to add diversification to the learning tools.
Question: time is always tight, how can you cover the material and provide external activities?
I believe expanding your instructional abilities will improve your ability in helping your students wich is why we became teachers.
