I think more often than not, students want to follow someone whom they respect and apear to be successful. The more the success story is shown the greater the chances the students will want to participate in the class.
Often students will react to a positve situation in the class room, continue to add positive actions and experiences to each class session.
I think that if the particular system has been successful, then see if there are ways to expand and or add more substance to the discussions.
Add some humor when possible to lighten the atmosphere in the class room. Humor helps students see humanity in their instructors.
Attend workshops and seminars that are pertaining to the subject you teach.
Introduction, relevance, modeling
In knowing myself well, I went back those days that I was a student and looked at how my professors taught. There were some that were negative and some that were positive, some that were discouragers and some that were encouragers. The first day I became an instructor I wanted to give my students what wasn't given to me....understanding. I wanted to know each of my students on a different level, understand their learning styles. To me that would help me guage how well to deliver my instructional materials to the class. As a professor, I set the tone for professionalism, attitudes, encouragement. I like contextual learning, I love to engage my students and they get tired of hearing me say that they are in the medical field, therefore, critical thinking skills must apply.
I find that the best way to manage a classroom is to have the students make up rules for you them mirror those rules for them. This holds everyone accountable to their responsablities in the class as well as empowers the students which allows them to take the drivers seat in the learning experiance.
Hi Mazen,
All go ideas for getting the students engaged. Thanks for sharing them with us.
Gary
Hi Toni,
Good way to show application and relevancy of content. This creates the needed connection between the classroom and the work world.
Gary
Hi Marie,
What are examples of the extra work that you use to help student understanding? I think this information would be of help to other instructors.
Gary
Use a greater variety of learning techniques. Always strive for interactivity if possible. Aways try new ideas and concepts in class.
The technique that I would use is to show more examples of how the course and the information will benifit them in their choice of work and how it helps to improve their thinking ability to be better prepared for the future.
I like to give extra work that would help the student understanding
Hi Justin,
You have a very good professional development plan. With these strategies you are going to be able to greatly expand your expertise and have greater command of your students' learning progress.
Gary
The first thing I look at is my survey feedback from my students. They are my inside customers so I read their feedback and see how I am being percieved in the classroom. I use their pattern of comments to see where I can improve and I also look to see if they are engaged or not.
After evaluating these comments, I look to see if there are any trainings available for me to take that would relate to improving my classes. I take any and all trainings available. This helps me to stay current with subject matter and makes my lectures more applicable to the daily work lives of the students.
Beyond those activities, I make sure to communicate directly to my students to get direct feedback regarding their feelings towards my style. I adapt as neccessary based on the group of students I have at that time.
from Robin Selmon
Robbi, self reflection is valuable for analyzing areas of improvement. Also the fact that you are aware and in tune with self will make the difference. Of course the sooner you put a plan in action, the better. A renewed approach will allow for a change in practice and to the opportunity to break away from bad habits.
Hi Jackie,
I like what you have written. This plan will serve to strengthen your focus and delivery resulting in more student engagement and satisfaction. I wish you much teaching success.
Gary
Hi Don,
Thank you for this perspective. You are in a great position in terms of professional expansion of your expertise as an educator. You see where you want to go and how you are going to get there. I know you are going to find even more enjoyment from teaching as you shift your focus on the Student Centered approach. I wish you much teaching success.
Gary
Hi Dr. Dixon,
You made me smile because I am like that. I still have many of my class notes and find that after all these years there is still great relevance to what my professors taught me. This helps me to not reinvent the wheel but to expand on it in terms of content, technology and strategies. This helps me to expand my expertise. Hope that is your experience as well.
Gary
