At the present time I am of the opinion that my instructional style is extremely satisfactory based upon the fact that end of class evaluations rank me in the upper 95%. I am constantly attending seminars, briefings, and reading material relevant to my profession. With over forty years of experience my ability to know my students, subjects and colleagues and share this information attests to my high score. However, I am always striving for new information and new methods of teaching.
Hi Jennifer,
You make a number of very good points about how we instructors need to take advantage of the supports and resources we have available to us. You are on the right track with rethinking about how you can use your co more effectively. Also, if you don't use that person enough you may lose the slot then for sure you will have to do everything. I wish you the best as you work through this human resource opportunity. I wish I had one to help me. I'm jealous.
Gary
I teach very large classes and I am at times assigned a co-instructor but I am so used to being independent I often forget I have a co-instructor to assist me with the class for time management purposes. I always want to create and grade my own quizzes and tests;I also find myself giving all the lectures and not utilizing my co which then in turn I find myself stressed for time. I need to learn to delegate and allow others to assist me.
Hi Sunshine,
You are right on with both parts of your forum response. Yes, the dynamics really do change with each class. This fact always gets me excited about starting a new class because I can't wait to see how they will come together as a learning unit.
You are right about the need to really ramp up those courses that the students see as being boring or not important. These course test your ability to plan and deliver quality instruction.
Gary
Hi Dianne,
Spoken like a true veteran instructor. You are knowledgeable beyond your 5+ years because you know professional development is ongoing. You have a great sense of how to read each class and then adapt to their learning needs. I wish you continued success in teaching.
Gary
Hi Stephanie,
I know you are going to develop into a highly effective instructor by the attitude of learning you are sharing with us. By going to the teaching seminars, talking to other instructors, and reading you will be picking up all kinds of new ideas and strategies that you can make a part of your teaching style.
Gary
Hi Misty,
I like the questions you ask in your survey. You are getting some very valuable feedback from this. As you say this information gives you many ideas of how to shape your instructional content, delivery, projects and assignments.
Gary
I should use more powerpoints!
I find that some classes are easier to teach than others. MAking the adjustments from the "dull" to "exciting" classed can be challenging. Students can tell which courses are not as exciting or fun and it already puts them in a "blah" learning environment, so I have to adapt my own teaching style to keep them interested and help them to understand that every aspect of their education is important.
Also, each class dynamic is different and I need to be flexible and adapt my teaching style accordingly.
I find that some classes are easier to teach than others. There are certain areas of subject matter that are dull or dry. I need to find ways to keep them interesting. I know if I can do this, than the students will realize that the subject is just as important as the "fun" or interesting ones.
Also, I am learning that each class has a different group dynamic and that it may cause me to change my instructional style a bit. I actually think this is a good thing. I am learning to adapt as I grow as an instructor.
My best feedback as an instructor is my students.
I have been teaching 5+ years but still consider myself "new" in that I am constantly refining my teaching style. If my students are engaged in class discussions, want to know more, more, more, do well on exams and come to class with enthusiasm then I must be doing something right.
I find every class has a different personality, and my style has to adjust accordingly. It is a constant learning process!
Dianne
As a new instructor, I use different instructional styles that I've observed and learned from my instructors when I was a student myself. Trial and error, as I like to call my style in teaching. Hopefully, I will develop the proper styles necessary to be a good instructor. I plan on attending a live seminar on effective teaching strategies to further refine my instructional style; and network with other instructors and ask for their advice on the subject matter.
My personal favorite is through survey, both formal and informal. I always reflect upon the results of surveys that are provided to students through the institution, and strive to ensure that I always meet the needs and expectations of the students. I also informally survey my students, asking specific questions such as:
- Is there anything we didn't cover in this class that you feel should have been covered?
- Positive or negative, what surprised you most about this class?
- What have you taken away from this class that you are sure you will carry with you in support of continued academic and professional success?
- What did you enjoy most about this class?
These questions help me tailor curriculum, resources and approach, and the results directly impact my planning and delivery for following classes.
Hi Michele,
I like your idea of using more role playing to enhance retention. I use case studies and role playing a lot in my classes and my students really get engaged in the process. They feel they get a lot of take away from these activities.
Gary
I feel as if I can involve my students more when when further developing, refining, and enhancing my instructional method. By doing so I can get their opinions as well as their feedback, and evaluate the different learning styles amongst the students.
Timeliness in grading and time management.
I use PowerPoint Presentations to emphasize information and reading assignments from the textbook. It is difficult to keep the student's attention so I have started to leave out a few key words from each slide where the student has to fill in the missing words as I teach. This has helped with attention and participation.
I think I could use more role playing to improve on retention and application of material.
Hi Diana,
Don't give up your efforts to reach every student. I have been teaching for a long time and have tried many different strategies to engage students. I can reach the majority of them but there are always one or two that never seem to get it. I try my best with them but I don't let them take my joy of teaching away. I think about the lives of those students that are putting forth the effort and I know that my effort is worth it. I wish you continued success in your teaching.
Gary
Every student is different and prefers a certain type of learning therefore it becomes necessary to try to incorporate a modality of teaching styles to grab the attention of the learner and facilitate learning. Though I have tried a variety of learning modalities, I seem to come up short in trying to reach all my learners. I am still developing and will continue to try even harder to reach each learner, even though at times it can be quite frustrating.
Patient Facilitator
Diana
I agree with Robin too, this is how I prepare for the class and so far it has been a great success for me with my students.
Thanks
