I involve my students in my instructional style by having a students go up to the white board and teach an area that was covered. This way the student can see if they truely understood the subject matter and the turn around is peer-tutoring for the rest of the class.
Hi, I have found that when I keep an open mind to learning and treating life as a classroom, I never run out of ideas to share with others, whether they are students, co-workers, or friends. In graduate school, I was able to travel around the country and go to all types of academic workshops and presentations, which is a great way to experience various academic styles of teaching and learning. When I got a teaching job, I was able to bring all of these experiences to the students through diverse teaching styles through multiple methodologies.
I find that keeping the students engaged with the subject matter works well, Also bringing some personal experience and sharing it with the does the trick
I use visual aids and hands-on techniques as much as possible. I find students relate easier to hands-on applications.
Mostly, I think the most important thing to consider is students personalities and learning styles, and what we can do to help them see the light. So our teaching styles have to vary with different types of students.
I want to visit with several other instructors to possibly take a bit of their instructional style to incorporate into mine, IF IT FITS!!!
Always be on time and fully prepared for the days tasks by making planning a habit before and after each class.
I have found it is very important to keep the students in the classroom engaged and motivated to learn the subject matter. By getting students involved in a hands on manner, allowing the students to take apart and reassemble various projects. I feel that this way, the students will learn much more and gain a greater understanding of the subject matter.
Bill Lachman
You asked "how to develop, refine and enhance one's inetructional style"?
The first truct assessment is very important to develop an instructional style. If you are late and slow to develop this style \, you may fail in the class.
You need to practice your class policy and attitude consistently and perfectly everyday to refine the style. Do not show your weeak point ever in front of the class.
For enhancement you sould always add some positive input about your lacture content along with your style. Example- always verify wheather students are understanding you while using your styles. If you got that it is working well , do not change it rather work more to improve it. Show its impact in the class. Always encourage students participation in the class. We need to remember that if no learning takes place in the class room it is not worthed at all.
Dr M Ayub Hussain
I have been studying how to identify different personalities. It has given me insight to the learning styles of my students, their strengths, and weaknesses. The study has given me insight to my instruction style and to incorporate different styles of learning.
Marcelo, consideration of resources as available in technology, equipment and instructional materials is most appropriate; especially with efforts to engage a class at a different level. Such considerations can also be an opportunity to secure a greater buy in with students through enrichment.
Hi Walter,
Good information on how to work with such experienced students. These students should be a joy to teach because they bring so much to the classroom.
Gary
Knowing my audience is one of the most important aspects of who I teach. Each of my students has at least 18 years of experience in their particular field and come into the classroom as SMEs. From the instructor seat, it is important to never come off as the smartest person in the room.
I would usually try to use different instructional styles to different situations taking into consideration my students' needs and the instructional materials and equipments available. I will try to update myself with the newer instructional materials and technology available so that I would be proficient and comfortable in using them as the need arises.
I also learned that using nonverbal communication techniques such as proper use of facial expressions, body language, pattern of speech, pausing and tone of voice in conjunction with a particular instructional style employed makes the instruction more effective and learning easier for students. These would help stimulate students and keep them in focus until the end of instrution. Giving them an opportunity to participate is also very important.
I think combining multiple instructional techniques and styles in one setting if appropriate and feasible is also good for the learning process.
I try to employ multimedia, current events and open ended questions to enhance my instructional style. I use multimedia and current events to keep my knowledge and skill base updated. I also use open-ended questions to let the students tell how they have or should apply what they've learned from the discussion topics. I've found when the students are able to realize how these topics affect them and their lives, they're more likely to retain the information.
Hi Daemon,
Good point. If we remember where we come from and what are experiences were as students we will be more aware of how to target our instruction and keep students engaged.
Gary
Hi Sharon,
Right you are about the need to keep striving for course improvement. This way the content remains fresh and appealing to students.
Gary
I feel it is important to reflect on your time as a student and which instructors you considered effective and inspirational. In addition, ask yourself what did this instructor do to inspire and create a successful learning environment. Then work on incorporating these methods into your own instructional method while avoiding methods of less effective instructors.
Instructors need to be knowledgeable in the content they are teaching. We need to continually rework course material; taking out what doesn't work and refining what does.
Hi Lisa,
So true. We instructors need to be comfortable in our own skin so to speak. We need to make sure we are reaching our students with our efforts but in a way that reflects who we are how and how we value our content.
Gary
Hi Tauisha,
I agree. Students need to have a voice and share in the class if they are going to be engaged. This way they feel that they are contributing to the learning process and are personally invested.
Gary
