I have found in my teaching career that no two students learn in the same way. By adding interesting methods of learning such as educational games and student debates on particular subjects are a few ways to make my instructional stlye fun. By making learning fun it allows students to stay focused.
I am brand new to the instructor role. I have noticed that I tend to want to just give out the information in the classroom instead of letting the students interact with me and have more of a discussion. My first lecture/teaching session should have lasted about 45 minutes and I think I had presented all the material I had prepared in about 20 minutes. I need to slow down and ask more questions and get the students more involved.
As I develop my instructional style I am working to bring the inherent passion I have for my subject to the forefront of my lectures. As a new instructor I have focused most on refining technical proficiency and modeling possessional behavior and attitudes. Discussions with my colleagues examining their teaching methods and practices is very helpful.
Ask other instructors how they do it. I will seek out good instructional material such as books from famous people in the field or famous authors that have wrote on the subject and try to touch as many senses as I can (hearing(lecture),touch(hands on labs and kinesthetic learning), and seeing (visual pictures or diagram). Foundations are foundational,sometimes there is only one chance to get it right.
Hi Israel,
Good strategy for helping you find your teaching zone. Pick and chose from all you are learning and put it together with your personality and you will have an instructional style that works for you.
Gary
Hi Andrea,
Good strategy. This really helps to bridge from the previous class. This gives the students a quick review and then introduces them to new material.
Gary
Hi Darlisa,
You are going to really enjoy the results you get. By changing the flow of the class you will be able to impart content with your mini-lectures and then have Q&A sessions, case studies, etc. and then another mini-lecture which keeps the momentum of the class moving forward.
Gary
I believe that using various media helps change the focus. I use lecture, then group, then power point, and finally film. Gloria
I would like to attend Seminars in my subject area, but it is hard to find seminars on Ethics, Gloria
I have found that varied activties in class is much more the learn better. I use group discussion, lecture, power point and film in my classes
The use of different media as well as lecture.
I've been teaching for almost a year now and I'm still struggling to find out the right style for me, mostly a "model" style. I take time to sit in more experienced instructors classroom, discuss about it and, also read every thing available to me.
Over the years I have had the opportunity to develop my own style of teaching, plus learn from instructors that have inspired me. Working with my students one on one has made me a better teacher, and person. Keeping focused on my class, having a positive attitude and atmosphere in my classes have inspired me to work even harder.
At the end of each lecture, I hand out a question and answer form base on the lecture to reinforce the lesson. I also have each student employ his/her own method of teaching as a review at the end of each module therefore giving everyone an opportunity to get information from different points of view and giving them a look from my prospective.
I think that is an excellent idea. My mehods have always been to have the students jump in right away and tackle their fears.
I will definitely utilize more visual components. I will also visit some of our externship sites to keep my students informed about the lastest techniques. I intend to use the 15 minute small lecture technique.
Hi Denise,
This is what customizing education is all about. Reading the students and then making adjustments as needed to better target their learning preferences.
Gary
Hi Dawn,
Thank you for these good pointers on how to present yourself in a professional way to the students. All of these little things add up to a professional presentation by a dedicated educator.
Gary
Hi Ivette,
Good for you. I like to use student learning groups as well because I find they really help students to learn the material while socially interaction with each other in the process.
Gary
Hi Tate,
Thanks for sharing these input strategies with us. I know they will be of value to other instructors as they look for ways to get student feedback.
Gary
