Experience vs Knowledge
I have been teaching for about 7 years now and realize that no matter how much experience you have as an instructor, you must continue to improve your knowledge of the subject you are teaching.
Mark,
Good way to counter this feeling and illustrate to students that not only can you teach but also you can and did earn your living by working in your field. This is important information for students to know as you as you establish yourself as the learning leader.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I find that the negative stereotype of "those that can't, teach" is overcome more easily by introducing your experience to supplement your knowledge. Not in a way that draws attention to the instructor, but in a way designed to introduce a practical application. By introducing it in a manner that shows the way knowledge is/was not only gained but also employed, in a real world situation, lends a greater credibility, and thereby a deeper understanding of not only "why" but also "how".
Monica,
Yes they do because they get to study with and learn from someone who has earned his or her living in the field. That makes the information that is shared more connected to what they are studying.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Sometimes I find that students appreciate more the working experience in the field that being a teacher for many years.
Ashley,
This is how you stay on top of your game and offer the latest information as well as skills to your students. You are doing all of the right things as you share your knowledge and skills with your students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
This is my first year teaching and I think that experience is key! In the Cosmetology industry you can watch someone do a haircut or color but unless you are doing it yourself and experiencing the outcome, you cannot fully teach the process, in my opinion. Everything is always changing and it is imperitive to keep up with the times.
Jo,
Right you are. In this profession you never really get there but you continue improving. This is one of the things I enjoy about being a teacher. I get paid to continually learn, what a deal!
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
