I can expand my instructional abilities by learning how the students in my class think, what is important to them, and how to help them to understand what we are trying to learn. I can also learn by listening to the students who as adults have unique experiences and backgrounds which can contribute to the discussion. I can also expand my abilities by adjusting my approach to the method that the majority of my students will respond to.
I think one good way would be accessable to the students during lesson hours. for example coming to class early to meet with students who have questions and concerns. Setting up a time to help tutor students is another good way to expand one instructional abilities. Utilizing active listening skills ia a must as well.There are so many ways one can expand their abilities.
Evelyn
I intend to expand my instructional abilities by utilizing some of the suggestions I just learned. For example, I think the use of index cards to move my lecture along is an excellent tool to enhance my teaching. I also will incorporate the use of an outline for each class.
Using technology in the classroom. I have used a smartboard in the past and want to see how best to utilize it with my current courses that I teach.
Hi Elizabeth,
Good professional development plan. Always keep your mind open to new ideas and strategies you can use with your classes. You will be surprised at easy it will be to learn about and use the different strategies.
Gary
Hi Dana,
Way to go in "reading" your students and their learning preferences. No two classes are alike as you know so your adjusting to their specific needs really helps you to customize their instruction.
Gary
Hi Dr.Meers,
The ways for that could be:
Educational Courses or Work shop demonestrations
Hi Kathryn,
Good ideas for professional development. What are some of the professional development topics you are planning on studying?
Gary
Hi Shawna,
You will find that taking and using these notes will greatly benefit your instructional planning and development. Keep up the good work.
Gary
Hi Sherrie,
All good points but your last two words really sum up professional development. If we keep challenging ourselves then we will continue to grow and our students will benefit from out efforts.
Gary
Observe other instructors in classrooms to gain new instructional ideas and techniques, participate in professional development forums with guest speakers on instructional issues, and take a course to improve your technical compentence.
This is my 4th year as a didactic instructor and I have found that I am able to adjust the course content to a specific teaching style in order to keep certain types of learner engaged. I have asked and received a lot of feedback from other educators in my field and this has been the best suggestion thus far. If the students learn better hands on then I do very little lecturing in the classroom and more lecturing/ demonstrating in the lab.
You can expand your instructional abilities by taking additional courses.
I like these ideas. I also like the idea of taking notes about what works from term to term.
I believe that a competent instructor should always strive to expand his academic horizons including how he delivers high quality instruction to students. Remember: an instructor holds a fertile mind in his hands; one misstep could cause that mind to become sterile and barren.
I agree. Most of my students prefer the "hands-on" practice, but I don't like to just throw it at them-I need to reach ALL of my students. I tend to lecture in a manner which gets them involved first. See it, read it, write it, talk about it, now, lets bring it all together and experience it so you can make the final connection and retain it:)
Many things go into teaching a class each day. A variety is needed in the form of lecture, video, kinesthic learning, and discussion of individual student reseach projects.
By attempting new methods and approaches in the classroom. Try new methods that might help get the point across to the students in different ways. Stretching myself beyond my personal comfort zone in delivering material.
I can expand my instructional abilities by reading professional journals and internet websites related to various types of medical specialities. I can participate in faculty development workshops, write and submit articles, provide community service hours to diverse population groups such as the elderly or drug rehab youth. There are many opportunities to learn something new and apply in the classroom. Just get involved and step outside your comfort zone. Challenge yourself!!
I always feel like its good to see what others are doing - new stuff - and to stay abreast of he current literature. I am on several email academic distribution lists and have presented at conferences. Basically, it's all about networking.
