Our school has students take a quiz on the computer to find out their learning style. The instructors are highly encouraged to teach to all the different styles.
Ooh, I like this! I also teach diffusion. I have used a hot dog in the past but I no longer have access to a stove to boil water so it's not as effective. I'm going to try this!
Yes, I find that I have to review the material every time I teach the same course. Each class is different and learns differently. For example, some classes ask more questions than others. I have to go through my material ahead of time and edit things so that I'll be able to stay within time constraints. Some classes are very visual and so I have a stash of overheads that I can use. Some classes like extra articles so I bring in different articles from current journals. But no matter how confident I feel about the material I know I need to review my notes and the textbook because, as Claudette mentioned,there will always be students who will challenge you.
For me, being prepared is the key to a successful class. It is important to recognize also each student has a different way of learning; therefore, I try to employ various techniques when teaching a course such as, hands on, visual aids, group discussions, ets.
I agree. Knowing the material, text, presnetations and so on will result in increased confidence and that will come through to the students.
Personal experiences of students play a large role in expanding educational conversation within my classes.
I feel the same! You need to show that you know what you are doing
Gino,
Good strategy for involving all of the students in the class. You are bringing discussion and interaction into the course in a way that is comfortable for everyone.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
My teaching style is attached to the idea of democracy. I use the roster and go down and engage the students with questions about the materials, and I find that students like to be called by their name. Also, it helps me learn their names easier and quells the student who wants to answer every question.
Giving practical examples is one technique that will enhace instructional style.
I plan on taking several workshops from prominent speakers that I enjoy this year. In addition to content, I will be paying a lot of attention to the presentations themselves and will borrow as many useful tools as I can implement.
I used students experiences to pull on and create classroom laboratory experiences. My students have a certain amount of clinical experience already in place prior to arrival and so have some exposure to the field. I use that to my advantage by having the students help develope the course materials used in class.
I agree with you,being prepared is a big part,It lets the student know that you have experience in that field.That gives them confidence in you that you are a qualified teacher
Eric,
Good for you. An attitude like this really helps to "sell" your course and the content. Keep the smile and passion for your content and your students will greatly benefit.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Dr. Enrique,
How do you propose to do this? Can you compress the lecture part and expand the lab or including optional lab sessions? Thanks for you input on this.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
One thing that affects instructional style is attitude. I found the teachers in my life that have made the biggest impact are those that have always been extremely positive about the subject matter, their students and life in general. I try to remeber this, no matter what is going on personally, I always walk into my classroom with a positive demeanor.
add more lab time for students
change the pace of class. use questions more as a learning tool
Varying my teaching techniques seems to keep students on task longer. They also seem to stay engaged and curious when I employ a few different techniques in a session.
In addition, I have found that staying current and bringing local, national, and world news into the classroom helps student relate classroom learning and real life.
