developing a new instructor
as a new instructor i have learned that everyday we teach we learn new things to teach and continue to enhance our teaching more.
Tamatha,
This is a surprise that many instructors encounter. We have to be life long learners in this business if we are to stay current and offer the most comprehensive content.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I agree!! If you want to really learn something, then teach it!! I have studied more now that I'm an instructor than I did when I was in school!!
Nicole,
Trust me you will. There is hope that you will regain some time in your life. On the other side I commend you for the effort you are putting into your preparation. This will pay off at a high return for you. Once you have been through your courses a couple of times you will start to see how you can most effectively and efficiently prepare for your classes and this will give you more time to select and introduce current items into your course as well as new strategies.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
It is interesting to be a new teacher because I feel like I spend hours every single week re-learning my material so that I can present it in the most effective way possible. I often feel overwhelmed because I make myself read the chapters as well as doing my own research to double check myself. I suppose with time, I will be come much more confident and lose some of that need to be hyper critical of myself and the need to double check all of my course material.
Christopher,
Great to hear and I wish you continued teaching success.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I have taught many people in the field, being in the classroom is so different. These courses are a big help.
Nicole,
Having taught the same courses for a number of years I can relate to what you are saying. The more familiar I get with the course the more changes and new activities I can introduce because I know what I want to cover and these new methods help me to do such. Also, these new strategies help me to stay engaged and focused on what I am teaching and not to become bored with the same content over and over again.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I find that the more times a teach the same material the more ways I learn to present it so as to really connect with the students. Sometimes the students will ask a new question that makes me have to go research the material all over again so I can always expand my knowledge on the material that I thought I already knew.
Jennifer,
Good point. As an instructor you have signed on to be a life long learner. This is the only way you will continue to grow in your field and remain current with your content.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I am also a new Instructor and I believe to become a great Instructor you always need to keep researching.
Jaye,
Good point and one that helps you as an instructor to see the value of the impact you have on the lives of your students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
ELIZABETH,
As a long term educator I find the same thing. Teaching is learning twice. Once as a student and then again as an instructor. As a life long learner this is one of the joys of being a teacher. I wish you much success as an educator and learner.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
As a new instructor, I learn that the fruits of teaching inform you as well as the students.
