Preparation is the key to success. If an instructor rushes into class at the last minute and then needs the first 10 or 15 minutes of class time to get themselves organized, they'll lose their students' interest and respect.
Also, instructors need to be flexible in their teaching and delivery methods. What might work in a lecture class of 50 or more students, doesn't apply to a smaller class of say 15 students. If you can adapt how you interact with your students, you'll have a better chance of connecting with them.
Dr. Meers,
I always make sure to know my subjet matter very well. However, I always try to relate personal experiences to the subject. I find that this method makes learning three dimensional and student gets a better understanding of the subject.
to Be more Enthusiastic when teaching a lecture that is Boring. Liven it up a little more try to avoid talking in a monotone ask Questions of the students
To further my knowledge in the subjects that I teach. I try to always dig a little deeper then what may be expected of me. I listen to veteran instructors. They seem to offer pearls of wisdom without realizing it. I'm continually searching for new ways to enhance my students to "want" to be in class. Sometimes I look across a sea of faces and see zero intrest. In essance, I want to refine my approach to acheive quicker results. I truly feel that this would permit me to spend more time on the subject at hand and less time trying to figure out the bent of the class.
I find that as time goes on my confidence has improved. I now need to continue to work on my techical competence on some of the new equipement that is being used in my field.
The Turning Point "Clicker" is an excellent way to guage student understanding and do review.
I think that for me, I should focus more on addressing each learning style. I sometimes get so focused or caught up on delivering a lesson in a particular way that I forget that everyone doesn't learn the same.
Survey my students midpoint of the course and take their responses and try to implement suggestions for the remaining of the course and for following courses.
As a new instructor, I think that I could benefit from watching other instructors teach. While I have been in the industry for 12 years, becoming a teacher has been a bit of a challenge. I want to make sure that I am doing the best job I can for my students. My concerns are, am I making myself clear to the students and am I engaging to the students? We have all sat in a classroom where you could barely keep your eyes open...I don't want to be that instructor. Watching other instructors styles would be very helpful to me. It would be interesting to see what works and what doesn't work. I think learning from experienced instructors would really benefit me.
when I am teaching a class, getting the learners to actually connect of what is being taught is to offer real world experiences in such a way that they can relate to but still get the full meaning of what is being taught. I tend to move around in the classroom and use a lot of gestures with my face and body.
For instance if I am speaking about dizziness I may relate it to being on a merry go round.
It has been a while since I have formally taught in a classroom setting, is there other techniques that you can suggest?
Lecture, case studies, activities and some fun things as well to keep their spirits up. Most classes are four hours long and you have to break up the learning into chunks that are more easily digestable.
HI Patricia,
I really like this idea. You are keeping your students on the lookout for products and then by discussing a product each week you are showing them how they can remain current with their field. Also, they will have knowledge about such products when they are in their work situations.
Gary
Hi Muhammad,
Well developed instructional plan. You have a number of activities and strategies that can be used to keep the students engaged. I am sure this results in a high level of student satisfaction.
Gary
Hi Gayle,
Right you are. Application of content is so important for both retention and career growth. Good plan for getting your message across to your students.
Gary
Hi Jayasree,
Great professional development strategy. Exchange sessions like this are so beneficial to our growth and expertise expansion.
Gary
Hi Lawrence.
Right right right! Old strategy still current and needed in learning.
Gary
Hi Chhayaben,
Good point about varying your instructional delivery. This is so important to keep students engaged and focused on the course content while making applications to their career growth.
Gary
Adding a special section to your class. I add "product of the day". Once a week we discuss one over the counter dental product. It shows my enthusiasim for all aspects of the field. It also keeps students engaged because it is practical and they are excited to keep the samples I pass out.
I believe self-confidence, interpersonal skills and enthusiasm are the keys to success. I continually work on developing these skills. I increase my self-confidence by keeping current on the subjects I teach and I develop my interpersonal skills by actively listening to others.
I have also noticed that when I share my enthusiasm for the subject, my students seem to enjoy learning it more.
Well, as an instructor I also believe I am still a student. I have, and will continue to further my education in order to master my subjects and broaden my skills, in order to distribute and motivate my students.
