Absolutely! Proper planning prevents poor performance!!! I have always remembered this because it is so true and keeps me motivated to keep planning!!
Kimberly,
I like this approach. They see what they are going to learn that day and then by posting the next class's objectives they see the connection between each sequential class and the forward progress they are making toward their career goals.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Confidence is important, however I think one needs to be very careful exuding it towards students. If one comes off too confident or even cocky about a subject it can make the student, especially continuing education students, less inclined to ask that instructor about a subject for fear of feeling ignorant or even belittled by the instructor. Especially in front of his peers.
This is quite effective. When the objectives for the day are posted and students are encouraged to share their concerns about the expectations for the lab , I can gauge how much time is needed for demo and/or explanations. Also, at the end of the day, setting the objectives for the next class sets the framework for what is expected. Give them a reason to be excited for the next class.
Jeffrey,
Good point about the need for targeted feedback. This is the only way students can improve as you say and that is true for all of us. We all need to have feedback that is focused on what we have done well and what we need to work to improve.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Meaningful feedback is also a part of your instructional style. How you provide feedback can signal to a study how much you really care about the student learning. If you simply say to a student "...excellent effort,see the answer key for the problems you missed" you have not provided any instructional benefits.
Totally agree, being organized, precised and also being prepared the right way, will show to the class key factors for success.
Christal,
Very true. An instructor that is competent and confident is one that will be able to earn the respect of his/her students and then build that respect into rapport. This sets the stage for some very enjoyable and profitable class sessions.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Joanne,
Yes, they can be. My students love to play games, throw in some food as prizes and you will have their attention throughout the class.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I believe being confident will enhance your instructional style because it shows you are knowledgable in the topic area and you are prepared for teaching that topic. Cofidence I feel is also contagious, if the instructor is confident the student feed off of that and in return will become confident in what they are learning.
Continue to practice self evaluation,implement positive changes learned from CE, and increase student participation
To further develop your style you can use your instructional style outside of the classroom and in your daily life. Changing it, modifying it for different situations. When you are faced with varied situations in the classroom you will be able to adjust to these changes without difficulty.
I teach accounting and since this is a required class for many, I try to instill discussions concering accounting in the real world
I prepare handouts and go over them during each class period.
We work as a group and go every chapter to make sure they get an understanding of the entire accounting process
Group work seems to be the best for accounting classes
After a couple of weeks their lights turn on!!
Then they feel more confident in doing the accounting process
Dwight McWhorter
I like to have the students play medical Jeopardy. They can be sooo competetive!
Siobhan,
Have each station checked and set up prior to the students coming in. Make sure there are sufficient supplies, tools and resources available so the students can come into the lab and go to work.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Siobhan,
An effective teaching style for lab settings is to due a short introduction at the beginning of the lab and then do any demonstrations that are needed. The remainder of the time can be spent "floating" around the lab giving individual instruction to students.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I totally agree! It is imperative that instructors and organized because when a instructor is students may become discouraged and unmotivated. Do you have any advice in regards to instructional style in a lab setting?
Organization is key! Do you have any advice as to what approach I should take in teaching in a lab setting?
Alan,
The connection between the individual and his/her professional preparation is powerful. By getting them to talk about themselves you helped them get settled into the course and then start to focus on learning the content. Good model to follow.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Being an instructor of the very first class at our technical school, it was very interesting to watch students open up and become themselves as the class continued. I gave a project for them to talk about something they loved. From the very first day they knew that I expected full class participation because one of the first things I had them do was to get up and talk about themselves. It is a very good ice-breaker and helped in the bonding of the class as a whole.
