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Listening to the students instead of just teaching them. I believe that we learn as much from them as they learn from us which allows all to come away from the course better off.

I am a new instructor and I want to be the best. The classroom plan has already been developed and involves a lot of Power Points. The student feedback is that they didn't like having so many Power Points. I was thinking that since the Power Points are required that I can have each student get involved in reading the Power Points out loud and then break them in small groups for discussions and questions and them pull them back together to review. Do you think that is a good idea? I want them to have more interaction and have the chance to ask questions and not feel bashful.

More hands on. Less talking and more showing!

I try to get to know my students learning styles and at what pace they can process what I’m trying to present to them. I then can use the styles that are best suited to each student.

Techniques to further develop my instructional style include using various deliveries during the class time. We have 4 hour class sessions, so I feel it is very important to incorporate some form of all four learning styles. I like to begin by lecturing, and having the students read silently various topics within the text to be discussed. Also, during the four hour class time, I like to show a DVD pertaining to the chapter for visual learners and if possible a small group discussion over a case study.

My goal is to develop my knowledge of activities and delivery techniques to the point to be 100 percent successful in helping my students become effective and self-directed learners.

Gilbert,
You are using a number of very good strategies to keep your students engaged. You are right about the need to always remain flexible in your approach because no two days are ever the same in teaching as you well know.
Gary

Dr. Gary Meers

I enjoy using the Internet as a tool to improve my instructional style since there is so much available out there, it is easy to project something related to the topic at hand, also encourage students to practice on their own.

I do an assesment based on the degree plan for the majority of the students and their level of life skils.

Dr. Gary,

I constantly make an assessment of the students' learning progress with a small verbal quiz in-between the lecture to see how much is being assimilated. Some students are shy and may not want to indicate that they did not understanding a concept. I have employed visual aid, particularly animation, to assist for greater clarity. The idea of "flexible approach" in topic presentation is part of my style.

Bobbe,
Thank you for sharing this strategy with us. Sounds like a great way to get through material that may not be the most exciting but is essential for student success.
Gary

Dr. Gary Meers

I find that if I want to present certain requirements of a profession by lecture (sometimes boring) try not to be, and then have students interact with me a(skit)actually going through the motions of the ocean -- or just a group discussion on what they perceived the important points were (message was) --but in a casual setting -- and then follow up by having the students perform an actual requirement expected on the job and turn in their work, they learn a lot more.
They listened, observed my presentation or another student, discussions at the end and then got down to business and actually prepared a product hands-on. This is my style, and it holds their attention. Wraps it up in a complete package.

Constantly being keen to keep learning and growing as a person and an instructor is of utmost importance. By viewing other teachers as well as performers one can learn other styles which can be implemented in the classroom. Comparing these approaches with the results achieved and student engagement is also important in order to see the effectiveness of the approach.

Taunya,
Sounds like a good plan that will result with your having expanded experience and expertise as an instructor.
Gary

Dr. Gary Meers

KIZHAKKEPARAMPIL,
Good way to get students settled into the course and feeling welcomed.
Gary

Dr. Gary Meers

To refine my instructional style, I always take advice from fellow faculty members and review surveys for suggestions from students. I also will review the material from the Association for Career and Technical Education that was discussed during the training to enhance and develop my instructional style.

Send a welcome mail to all the students who will attend in the next class prior to the start, explains the syllabus, class expectations,and grading criteria. Be in class about 15 minuts earlier especially on the first day of the class. Stand outside the class room and welcome personaly every student enter in to the class.
Let the first day start like a sprinkle rain,not like a torrential one...

Bonnie,
I commend you for your having a professional development plan for yourself. This is what is going to elevate your professional expertise to the next level.
Gary

Dr. Gary Meers

I am always completing CEUs and keeping up-to-date with the latest information regarding the medical programs we provide, which includes medical assistant, pharmace tech, and medical billing and coding. I want to be able to answer the students questions when they ask or at least know where to go and get the answers.

Mary,
Good way to help create a professional atmosphere that sets the standard for your students.
Gary

Dr. Gary Meers

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