Developing as an instructor:
I have learned over the years, that to develop as an instructor, a real good one at that requires a lot of time, patient and understanding to meet all types of students. Over the years as an instructor the learning styles are very defferent. Instructor are to know how to adjust to their class and their students learning behaviors. Remember that each student is an individual so you must find a way to top into each as such. This subject opened my mind and eyes on how to developed as a better instructor.
Susan,
Yes, it is a developing process. The more experience you have in teaching along with your own professional development efforts the better you will get as an instructor. It is like everything else of value, effort is required which in turn makes the work worth it. I wish you much teaching success.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I agree that being an effective instructor is not an overnight experience. As a new instructor I find that I am learning new ways to teach with each new class and that hopefully i am becoming a better instructor.
Melonie,
Very good point and one I hope you can impress into the minds of your students. Formal education is only the starting point for life long learning. We need to continually grow in our knowledge base if we are going to stay current with our field as well as our own personal growth.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I encourage my students about the life long learning journey that they have begun when they started this chosen profession of theirs. I want them to know and understand the importance of continuing their own personal education outside of college (once they have launched their professional careers). I hope to role model it for them and show them various ways they have to stay informed and grow in their experience and knowledge. I have resources/ideas of resources for CEUS; sometimes I'll briefly mention and discuss a seminar I've recently been to. I encourage them that if not used...needs to be reviewed or may be forgotten with time; I encourage them on how they can prepare themselves when transitioning into a new "specialty" area of their current professional practice. I believe it is important for me to continue my education and to help the students realize that this is important for them also....that it doesn't end when the formal "college" training is over; it is only just begun! :)
Christine,
Thank you for these comments. You are giving some very good advice to other instructors that are in the early stages of their careers. They need to see the value that can come from being a life long learner and desiring to increase their knowledge base of instructional strategies.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I,too, have been an Instructor for only 8 years. And over that time I have learned how important it is to "grow" as a professional in teaching. It's not as easy as people think. However, over time, the more I learn and review my subjects and continue to keep up with the new changes out there, the more interesting my work comes to me. And my students!
Courtney,
You are right on with your comments about professional development. Learning to be an effective and efficient instructor is not an overnight experience just as you mention. It is an ongoing developmental effort that requires work and dedication. The end result is making an impact on the lives of students and crafting the direction of their careers.
Gary
