staying creative as an instructor
keeping yourself current in the field of your study, and thinking outside the box keeps you updated and current.
on going education for the support of growth and creativity is essential in learning and staying creative.
being inspired everyday makes the creative side improve and grow stronger.
I totally agree with your assessment. I am a new instructor in the Dental field and I am enjoying it very much. Your right about thinking outside the box helps me in many ways.
Sincerely,
Victoria
Jennifer,
I think you are on the right track with your use of humor and cartoons to help "sell" math to your students. I would talk with the instructors in the skill areas and get some examples of how math can be applied as soon as possible. This way you will have both the humorous as well as the application examples to use with your students. As you gain experience and get more examples from the skill instructors you will have plenty of material to use when showing relevancy to your students. I wish you continued success in your teaching.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I am brand-new to teaching and the second course I am teaching is Applied Math. Since it's a trade school and I am not personally familiar with the trades and "exactly" how math can be applied, I am trying to find a way to inject a little humor into the class to keep it a little interesting. I am looking up funny math cartoons on the internet and plan on putting one up every so often or at a break from one set of examples to the next. What do you think about this? Any feedback is appreciated.
I am brand-new to teaching and the second course I am teaching is Applied Math. Since it's a trade school and I am not personally familiar with the trades and "exactly" how math can be applied, I am trying to find a way to inject a little humor into the class to keep it a little interesting. I am looking up funny math cartoons on the internet and plan on putting one up every so often or at a break from one set of examples to the next. What do you think about this? Any feedback is appreciated.
Brandon,
I appreciate your enthusiasm for teaching and the passion you have for your field. This is what makes teaching fun and I am glad that you are having such a rewarding career as a teacher.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Great topic!
One of the most rewarding moments for me as an instructor is when I share something with my students that is gaining momentum in their field and finding out it is totally new to them.
Using current references is a great way to keep things fun and creative in the classroom while demonstrating the practical application for the subject being taught.
-Brandon
James,
You make a very good point about keeping ahead of the students in terms of being current. Seems that in many situations it is not possible so the next best thing is to go to them for examples. This way you can keep the course content while getting their input.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Right, I find it difficult to find that medium of keeping the course challenging enough but also being creative. Also, when trying to use contemporary examples or mediums it always seems as if the students are one step ahead of me and more in tune with pop culture/technology.
Kesha,
Good reflection that we instructors have on a regular basis. The challenge exists to continually seek the most effective form of instruction that will impact the career development of our students. This challenge should remain throughout our career as we strive to become master instructors.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
This is definitely challenging. Although it's the same content I'm teaching, I try to present it in different ways to encourage participation and fun learning.
I get so caught up in trying to create such unique experiences that I second-guess myself on whether I'm making the course content challenging enough.
Natascha,
Each one of the items you list helps you to expand your knowledge and expertise. This is how you become a valued instructor by both your students and your college.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
