Hi Douglas,
Good approach to being an effective instructor. You are bringing your personality to the classroom and that is so important plus you know how you want to relate to your students. You have set the stage for yourself to have a very enjoyable and successful class. Happy teaching.
Gary
Hi Nikki,
Good to hear! I am sure you are enjoying teaching a lot more as well. Thanks for sharing this with us because other instructors will benefit from knowing they once they get their course organized and planned out they can have a really good time teaching.
Gary
I like to have students read the PowerPoint slides to help them use the terminology they need to learn. I also ask questions and like it when students discuss the answer. The sharing of experiences also seems to help the students to stay motivated and keep their attention. The first day of this current module my first class was surprised that the four hours were over with. I guess that shows that they had fun!
Use different techniques in my instructional style. Always get feedback from my students.
I develop my instructional style by using observation and reflection. I observe how other instructors teach the same class and determine what things they do that I could use in my classes. Additionally, after every class I look back and try to determine what went well in the class and what did not work at all. The same thing will not work for every class even if it covers the same material, because the learners are different. Reflection allows me to adjust my teaching style as the term continues to progress.
I think that one thing that helps enhance instructional style is to expand on teaching techniques through workshops like this. The truth is that in the many professional development and education classes I have taken, I take small elements from activities, instructional styles, classroom formats, etc and integrate them into my classroom. No two teachers are the same and neither are their teaching styles. What may work well for one teacher might not work at all for another. I try to pick up on things that might work in my classroom, then adapt those things to fit my needs and my classes needs.
Always be positive, enthusiastic, consistent, and always encourage my students!
I agree Karen...In the years of teaching I have observed many instructional styles, some I agree with and some I do not. By observing them, I know what instructional style I prefer to use and the ones I do not. It definantely makes a difference in the classroom environment and speaks volumes to your students. I am always looking for new ways and ideas to refine my instructional skills.
I think that I try to make a conscious effort to vary my individual class delivery but my base style is interactive and available. Some professors hide behind the lecturn, some have prided themselves on "not doing powerpoint". Some professors might be brilliant researchers but they have difficulty presenting.
I want to be professional, entertaining to some extent and effective for the students. I am willing to mold my style to achieve the desired effects for the students.
Hi Marlena,
Your personality is going to be an great asset for you as you work with your students. The human factor is a key ingredient in teaching as you know so use it to show your students both respect and support. This will help them to see the value of what they are learning and how they can use their own personalities when they are in the work place.
Gary
I do the same. I try to spend time with other instructors to listen to techniques that have worked for them, so I may apply the same if needed.
My goal this quarter has been to become more organized and find new ways to manage time more effectively. I find it allows my brain to explore more creative ways for technical applications if Im not focused on other matters.Im more relaxed and I believe students learn more.
Currently I employ feedback from my students, take instruction enhancing classes and I shadow my mentor in order to improve my own instuction style.
By asking in verbal and nonverbal forms of communication develop feeedbcak from students during all classroom activitities and adjust my teaching style on the fly as a result of that same feedback.
I pay attention to how my style is received by the students. Are they paying attention, participating, and demonstrating understanding? I also ask them for their input. I use an exercise I call "More Of/Less Of." With this I ask each student to think of what is helping their learning and they want "more of;" and what is not working for them and they want "less of."
I feel my open personality allows others to feel comfortable with me and allows them to ask for my help. During my education there were a few instructors that I felt connected with and those were the people that I was drawn to when I had any difficulties. My goal is to share my knowledge with the students in the clinic setting and provide encouragement to succeed.
Hi Desmond,
Great to hear that you have someone you can observe and ask questions of. Sharing knowledge and expertise with one another is so beneficial in professional growth.
Gary
Hi James,
The more examples you use the more real the content becomes for students. So find as many as you can and use them often.
Gary
Hi Marina,
This type of course could be very beneficial to you. In addition, it can help you to develop your personality as a speaker since effective communication is the key to teaching success. I wish you much success as an educator.
Gary
I am thinking about taking public speaking class.English is not my first language and an accent reduction class was very helpful.
