Yes! In addition, this confidence will show your enthusiasm in the subject area that you are teaching! Teacher enthusiasm motivates students!
Being an Instructor is like being an actor. You have to know your subject matter so well and presented in a way that you will never loose your audience attention. Be energetic and deliver your topic in a clear matter
Gayle,
The more information you have the more you will be able to target and customize your instructional delivery. This enhances the learning process.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
At the start of class, I will engage students in conversation -about anything from current events, news, food, movies, etc to 1) get each student to feel comfortable to use their voice, so not afraid to ask questions and get more out of learning 2) to learn a little more about the students, gain insight to things that motivate them, and possible insights to how they learn
You may continue to place emphasis on your practical experience verses your theoretical approach.
Good afternoon:
I engage level four (sophomore) nursing students in the clinical area. During the initial clinical day, I share one of my personal experiences as a new nursing student, which helps to break the ice and reducing anxiety.
Norrisjean
While my overall classroom management is good, my movement throughout the classroom could use work. I need to work on moving down the isles and connecting better with students beyond the first few rows.
As an instructor, I can develop organizational skills in order to be fully prepared and knowledgable in the subjects I am teaching. Being prepared with the correct answers when questions arise in class.
I agree. You really need to know your subject. There are some classes that will ask questions that may be a little off topic but it can be applied to a different chapter. If you know your subject well, it won't throw you off. You will be able to incorporate it into your discussion and possibly make it more relevant to the students. They may have that AHA! moment.
Carol,
This is a great idea. I have used one for many years myself and it really helps me as I review it when starting a new course so I can remember what not to do and what was successful. Helps me to be a better instructor each time I teach.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Tessa,
Hope you receive some good insight from beginning instructors in the forum. Good preparation and organization will go a long way in helping you get settled into the course. Also, use an ice breaker at the beginning of the class so the students get to know each other and share some laughs. You will be amazed at how comfortable you all will get with each other very quickly. Then you can complete the introductions and start outlining the course expectations.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Hi Laura,
I agree. Preparation is imperative. Students can always sense a disorganized teacher. It comes down to modeling good behaviors for students.
Carol Myslinski
Hello,
I like to maintain a teaching journal. I use it to record my thoughts on the effectiveness of my instuction. I also read books on the subject of teaching.
Carol Myslinski
For me, I had to heavily modify my instructional style, as my first formal teaching experiences were developed in a paramilitary academy setting. Obviously this style does not translate perfectly to an academic environment.
This required reflection, planning and practice prior to the transition to the more relaxed atmosphere of a college classroom.
I think a clearly defined professional development plan is key to accomplishing this task.
I am a first-time college instructor. I am excited about teaching and have no problem projecting my passion about the subject matter to the students. However, I am nervous about being a young instructor to older adults. I definately need to enhance my personal competence to enhance my instructional style. I have to grow personally and professionally to improve what I want to establish in the classroom.
Are there any other first-time college instructors in this forum? If so, please share your first-time experiences with me.
I agree whole totally becuse being prepared allows you to teach.
Ian,
Good analysis of where you want to take your instructional style. Go for it! Bring your passion to the classroom. It is catching!
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
For myself I can definitley bring more energy. My personality is laid back and quiet. Bringing more energy and excitement to class would enhance learning. I can see this being done by moving about the classroom more, utilizing voice volume, pitch, and speed changes in class.
Ultimately it comes to sharing the passion I have for the field I love with my students. Often times I am trying to hard to be a teacher and contain my excitement as opposed to letting my passion hang out, so to speak, and allowing my students to feed off the energy and excitement I have for the classes I am instructig.
Being well prepared is the first step I believe. I like to use visuals as well. I find this is a preferred learning style for many students...so I use the internet to show them different places they can go for information relevant to their new skills. I like to use a white board and powerpoints. These are ways that need continual refining and I believe it enhances my instructional style. I would like to work on employing some "in class" group projects in the future to help the students learn to work as a team.
I use many different hands on techniques in my class. The students seem to pay better attention and enjoy the activities. I also like to use games to reinforce material that needs to be memorized.
