One approach to expanding my instructional abilities would be to network with other instructors (who may have more experience with teaching a given class) and look for best practices and other approaches with the material.
While I don't want to blindly copy others, I also don't want to re-invent the wheel. If there's a technique or exercise that works well, I'd like to use it in my class ASAP.
Eric, Thank you for your reply. I have been blessed to have some great teachers in my life who modeled and motivated me to learn. One of the premises I keep in front of me is "How do I get my students to want to learn" Guy Doud. This encorages me to want to make a difference in the class room.
James, my favorite of yours is trial and error, also regarding student feedback I believe this is a most valuable evaluation, only if it's done anonymously. Then the student will express their true opinions.
I find taking courses myself and learning from other instructors helps me. Also reading, teaching, trial and error. Asking student for feedback on their expierence in your class is helpful.
I find taking classes myself and noteing the instructor abilities. Seeing what works and what doesn't. Getting feedback from other teachers as well as students. Asking questions what was liked or dissliked.
Hi Scott,
Welcome to teaching. I hope you have a great career as a professional educator. Seek advice and input from your fellow instructors. They will enjoy sharing their experiences plus you will benefit from their knowledge. Keep up the professional growth and before long you will the resources and skills needed to feel very comfortable in the classroom.
Gary
Since I am new to being an instructor I am going to use the personal and written resources around me to expand what I know.
I would like to be more organized with my class outlines. Sometimes I tend to put too much detail into my outlines
Hi Gretchen,
Welcome to the profession. I can tell you are going to have much success in the classroom. Keep up the great attitude about your field and your students. This excitement really rubs off on the students making the classes enjoyable for everyone.
Gary
As I have progressed through the first few weeks of teaching an online class, I have discovered that I don't feel as able to "connect" with my students. By that I mean, when I respond to discussion boards and provide feedback about assignments, I still don't perceive that the students are taking the direction I'm trying to give in the same ways as they might in a face to face setting. I'm discovering that there is something in my style that translates better face to face right now than it does in the online type formatting. I'm arranging to host some interactive instructional sessions- an online meeting which will allow me to interact in real time with students who need or want more help grasping the course content.
By formulating an instructor development program and following it.
I am a first time instructor. I am very excited, and love it, so far. I am always looking for ways to improve my teaching style. This couse has been very helpful, and I plan on taking many more. I am also talking to other instructors, in different settings to get their ideas and feedback for certain situations. Each week I try a new activity I have found on-line or a resource book. I have have a lot of luck, so far. I have my first eval from the students next week. I am anxious to read their feedback. I openly accept constructive critisim from the students!
I believe there are many ways to expand instructor abilities. I enjoy sitting in on other instructor’s classes in order to get ideas on how to improve my teaching and student interaction. Having another instructor monitor my class also provides feedback. I co-teach a class and always leave with several ideas from my teaching partner. I also enjoy reading the current literature and attending teaching and learning conferences. Attending online and traditional classes in education has provided me the opportunity to learn from some of the best educators. I can always take away several new techniques to try and sometime what not to try.
Observation of other teachers, industry professionals, academic advisers, Join Toastmasters,
Attend other classes, start conversations with fellow instructors on something you need new ideas on. Check out these forums. Attend seminars, workshops, refer to notes you have taken in the past and email your coherts on the same subjects
Watch other instructors, attend workshops, listen, ask questions, listen to what students want and what questions they ask
Taking training classes, talk with other instructors that have more experience it the field.
Yes, I agree. Using media other than lecture seems to be required to create a dynamic learning situation. Lectures more than 20 minutes will lose the students...
-J.
Attending seminars that focus on concepts and techniques.
Interacting with other professional and asking how to exemplify some of the qualities of a good instructor
Practice the skills on a daily basis
By utilizing more instructional media, You-tube, Power Point, guest speakers, more interactive. I have primarily kinesthetic learners, so very important to have them working on projects, groups, etc. rather than listening to lectures.
