Rebecca,
Furthering your education is a great way to improve your skills in the classroom. I also agree wholeheartedly about interaction with your peers.
Kurt
One of the ways I have found useful in expanding my instructional abilities is to visit other courses in the schools I teach. When I can watch other instructors, I pick up a lot of good ideas.
Another way is to participate in the faculty conferences. These are not the same as faculty meetings, although the latter are useful as well. Most schools have gatherings of faculty members where we have more time to discuss teaching.
A third way I have worked on expanding my instructional abilities is to try new technologies. The online teaching platform affords us the opportunity to try audio, video, live chat, automated demos, and more. The technology is advancing rapidly and can be used in the classroom in many ways.
Hi Rebecca,
This is a great list of professional development strategies. I commend you for seeking these opportunities out and integrating your new skills and knowledge into your instruction. Your students are going to benefit greatly from your dedication.
Gary
My instructional abilities can be expanded in a number of ways. One way these abilities can be expanded is through formal education by obtaining further degrees. Another way these abililties can be expanded is by my taking advantage of company-sponsored, in-service opportunity. I have taught at a post-secondary college since 1990 that provides in-service opportunities at least once a year. I have always taken advantage of those opportunities. This company also encourages us to persue at least two of these opportunities yearly. Additionally, my instructional abilities can be expanded through interaction with other professionals. This can be done through professional organizations and in talking with other instructors with whom I work. This can also be done by interacting with other professionals in personal situations when those opportunities become available. Finally, I can expand upon my instructional abilities through opportunities such as this one.
Hi Christi,
Good examples of making your instruction interesting and real. Though I'm not sure I want to be there the day you make abolus and chyme. After raising two kids I think I have cleaned up all of this I want to.
In reality I know this makes a real impression on your students.
Gary
I like to expand my instruction by trying new things or not always doing the same old thing. And when I find something the students like when that subject or lecture comes back around with a new class I do it again. For example I teach Anatomy and Physiology, when I teach about Digestion I bring in everyday houshold items to represent parts of the digestive track and do a little show and tell. Also bring in a food processor and make abolus and chyme ( what food contents look like partially digested.
Hi Margie,
You are fortunate in deed to have great instructors around you. This will greatly accelerate your professional development because you can draw upon their experiences and expertise. I like you have gotten some great ideas and help through hallway conversations. This is what sharing is all about. I try to use the CASE model with all my fellow instructors. Copy And Share Everything.
Gary
I am fortunate to be surrounded by experienced instructors who are creative and conscious of addressing diverse learning styles. Some of the best ideas for my classroom have emerged standing in the hallway with another instructor. When I am open to discussing something that either isn’t working or could work better in my classroom, I have been the grateful recipient of course changing ideas. I love collaboration. It isn’t always easy to engage in collaboration with increasing course and student loads, but the casual conversations can be just as useful.
Condstantly researching, never assume you know everything about your topic. One of the courses I teach is textiles, I read journals and investigate new technology. I like to share interesting advances in the industry and I ask my students to do the same.
Hi Michael,
What methods or activities have you found to be the most effective for your students? What part of your "show" do they like best?
Gary
Perhaps some props, the TV personality Alton Brown uses visual aids very well in his instruction.
I display the food items that we work on each day and do some what of a show and tell about the ingridients.
Hi Michael,
I am a big fan of using competitions as learning tools. I have different games I use to get my students excited about the course content plus help them review for tests. They really like the competition as you know from your own students plus it gets them fired up.
Gary
A way to improve instructional abilities is to be part of competitions. The critiques offered provide an insite as how to describe additional skills or viewpoints
I find that a good way to expand instructional abilities is to try to teach a new subject.
It is said the best way to learn is to teach.
You may have learned skills may years ago and sometimes forget the basic of a subject.
Hi Malik,
In addition to what you are already doing I would suggest student feedback throughout the course. I use student feedback frequently. I give my students 3x5 cards and have them comment on a recently completed assignment, project, etc. The comments are anonymous so the students are candid in their comments. I get really good input that I use to improve assignments or make changes in my instructional delivery.
Gary
One of the most important things I remind myself to do is not to forget my strengths as well. Yes, it's important to develop in areas which aren't your strongest. We should also be constantly looking for ways to make our best areas better! So far the best way for me has been interfacing and observing other instructors. Although you may have a different style, it's key to have a different perspective on how the students are reacting. Any other ideas for getting into the students shoes?
Thanks!
Malik
Hi Marion,
Great to hear that you are going to champion the cause for your faculty and their development. You are going to provide them with the support that you did not receive. Keep up the good work.
Gary
Continuing education is very important. Lifelong learning helps one stay current with new trends.
I have worked for two schools where faculty development was non-existent or poor. I have been teaching for one and a half years and have recently taken on an administrative position in a college. My goal is to become pro-faculty, since I can personally vouch for feeling like a "third spoke on the wheel."
If I knew what I know at this time I would not have entered the education arena; however, I hope this feeling will change. I believe the importance of a mentor is priceless.
By observing others, trying new techniques for certain topics & assessing success before implementing for larger topics, and continuing education.
