Instructional Style
I am constantly looking for ways to improve my instructional style.
Online courses like this are informational however, I am a hands on learner.
I change and improve with the needs of the students. I need to set higher expectations of them and motivate them to achieve their career goals.
Lisa Raines
Daniel,
This is a good way to keep your students focused on exactly what you want them to learn at a specific time in the course. I know this format will be of help to other instructors that find themselves in the same situation. Thank you for sharing this.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I have used concept mapping with each weeks assignments to allow ther students to learn the material from the chapters, without always reading portions of the chapter that will be covered in later classes. I instruct chronic diseases, I do not want my students to read about acute disease when they are in the same chapters, as they will learn that next semester. This gives them a more focused study area with less feeling of being overwhelmed.
Martin,
I think this a very sound educational approach to take. You are serving as the learning leader and helping your students to acquire the knowledge and skills needed for career success. I commend your for your methods of keeping your students engaged.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I teach design and find that "teaching what you know", as simple as that sounds, is the best way to go. I've had a lot of professional experience and I make that know to my classes by showing examples of my work. In most cases, since I try and maintain a somewhat casual teaching style, the students are inspired rather than intimidated by seeing professional level work in relation to their own. This dynamic makes them open and curious about the thinking and methods involved in creating the work.
Linda,
Instructional development is ongoing just as you have outlined. Each time we teach a course we should try new things so we will be more effective the next time we teach that course. This is a wonderful way to grow both as an instructor and as a life long student.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I am a hands on learner as well and that goes for my teaching style. I find it takes me 2-3 times teaching a class before I feel as if I have worked out all the kinks. For example, the first time I taught Anatomy and Physiology I came up with ideas on how to make the NEXT class more interesting and interactive. I incorporated those ideas when I taught that class again and I came up with even more ideas while teaching the second time.
