My instructional style is a style that I try to duplicate from my teachers who taught me in college. My style of teaching today is using powerpoint, guest speakers who are experts in a particular field, research, and implementing games that will held develop skills learned.
I am always learning from the students what I can do to make the subject easier to learn. We have a survey at the end of the class and I make sure that I read each comment and try to take at least one thing from it that I can incorporate into the class the next time I teach it. I keep an open mind and try suggestions with enthusism!
It is very important to keep your enthusim high. Some things I try is learn new things about the subject being taught so that I never get bored teaching the same things all the time. I teach medical classes and the field is constantly changing and presenting new ideas and studies. When I am excited about a subject, it keeps the students attention.
I need more practice at refining my instructional style to fit the learning needs of my students. I am often guilty of a "one size fits all" model when it comes to educating my class. I am excited about these modules so I can find out how to be more flexible and successful in my role as a teacher.
I can utilize my experience as a chemist and laboratory technician to provide the students with current laboratory practices and relevant information that is used in a lab setting.
Hi Audrey,
I definitely use a lot of demonstrations to keep my students interested but I do pop up questions as well and if they get them right you can give them a piece of candy or something small. It actually works great on adults which is a bit funny but true.
Jackie
The main area I see that I need to improve upon would be implementing the plan I have set. At times I tend to go off course or I won't get to everything that I planned for the day. A couple of reasons could be at the pace the students are capturing the information and the other could be that I am putting too much into the plan to begin with. Assessing the plan to ensure I have balance with activities to help the students understand the subject matter would go a long way.
Jackie
I enjoy watching other professors instruct. Everytime, I try and pull a new technique and use it in my next class.
There are a couple of areas I need to work on in my instruction style. The first area is being more motivational with my classes. The other area is moving from a Teacher-centered instructor to a Learner-centered instructor. My teaching styles has been developed by the way I observed other other instructors from my days in college, and other learning programs. In order to connect with todays adult learner I need to become a better Faciliator or Learner-centered instructor.
Don Wilson
I try to get students involved in hands-on training whenever possible. I mix lecture, testing, hands-on training, discussion, brainstorming, and feedback througout a class session or day.
Dr. Meers,
Thanks for the sentiments. Another highlight of a practical approach is that student interaction can be promoted and encouraged at anytime. For example, at the start of class hosting discussion on news or subject topics allows students to have open dialogue, engage with others and develop a certain level of awareness outside of class. Ideally, if topic discussion is anticipated, students may take mental notes more often - during travels, when watching television or surfing the net. The observed preparedness and the eagerness of students to participate is most rewarding.
Nick-
Good point! When I recall the most outstanding teachers in my life I realize that they were often downright goofy when lecturing. I fear that we are doomed to bore our students to death if we worry about keeping a "Socratic" stance in our lectures. I find that students are much more willing to ask questions and stay engaged if the instructor is human and even a bit self-deprecating.
John Stuckey
In enhancing my instructional style, I believe that the use of Problem-Based Learning will add strength to my overall classroom success. In looking at the students that I instruct, they are more in tune with a focused approach to their learning as well. By utilizing a problem-Based Learning approach they will have greater interaction, discussion and a more defined outlook into the subject matter. This will also allow them the opportunity to gain further feedback from family and friends regarding our in class sessions.
Actually im a pack rat and still have lots of my college notes. I like to browse through them sometimes and review how I learned these topics and or excelled in a subject. It allows me to further learn how the student may also be able to excell as well
Dr. Treshena L. Dixon
Hi Dawn,
Go for it. Students really do like application of content. The more you can demonstrate application and relevancy the more engagement you will have.
Gary
Hi Nick,
This reflects my approach to the classroom as well. I use humor and laughter to engage the students. I'm not above using a really really corny joke now and then just to get them to groan at the punch line. What I find about this is that then they start bringing in corny jokes to see what I think about them. The key is that I have created another connection point with the students and that is the goal.
Gary
Hi Doris,
I use case studies in my teaching as well. They really capture the attention of the students because they get to use their newly acquired knowledge. This helps to make the course both relevant and applicable.
Gary
Hi Doris,
I love hearing instructor success stories. Keep up the good work and keep enjoying being an instructor. Your students thank you.
Gary
Hi Jason,
A simple formula for instructional improvement and more effective learning.
Thanks for sharing it with us.
Gary
Hi Ralph,
Good point. Feedback from students can be helpful in so many ways. Do you solicit feedback from your students throughout the course? If so how do you get such feedback?
Thanks.
Gary
Hi Pam,
Have fun with your enthusiasm. Think of some humorous or exciting ways to introduce a topic. Both you and your students will enjoy this approach.
Gary
