David,
This is a very good instructional development activity. I enjoy observing other faculty as I always seem to get a take away every time I sit in on a colleague's class. I have been teaching for meany years and yet I am always looking for ways to improve my instructional skills.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I find observing other instructors helpful in expanding my instructional abilities. I also discuss strategies with other instructors and directors and obtain feedback to help and improve my methods.
I develop study aids, give written feedback on practicals and take tests myself to determine is I myself am able to answer the questions that I am expecting the students to answer if using a test bank.
Thank you for your feedback.Your suggestion is so noted.
Emeline
Emeline,
Both can contribute a lot to your professional development. I would suggest that you think about observing other instructors as well. I find that I always come away from an observation with ideas about how to improve my own instructional delivery.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Attending teaching seminars and the use of current technology can expand instructional abilities.
Phillip,
This I think is a big resource for your students as you bring to them each time the class meets a current perspective from the field. They know that they are getting the latest information and best practices which in turn helps them to be even better prepared upon graduation.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I feel an advantage i would have is that I am still employed in the field I am instructing. This can keep me up to date on the latest tech and fresh on real world problem solving. It's very valuable information for the students and enhances you own credibility.
Lorrie,
Great list for professional development. Each of these strategies will enhance your expertise as well as knowledge in how to become an instructor of merit.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
There many ways:
1) Joining professionalorganizations
2) Subscribing to journals
3) Attending lectures of other faculty to pull out ideas for incorporating into my lectures
4) Listening to other instuctors' pitfalls and learning from them
Justin,
This is such a great way to expand your knowledge and expertise as an educator. Having a mentor was an even greater opportunity to grow. It is great your school provides this support to faculty.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
The best way I have found to improve/expand my instructional ability is through reciprocal observation. I was fortunate to be involved in a mentorship program during my first year of teaching. I learned a tremendous amount from observing a seasoned instructor, and the feedback I received from him observing me was invaluable.
Norman,
So critical for your students to understand. They need to know the value of math in their career development. The more applications you can share the better because they will start to see math not as just a subject but a tool they need to have just as are their knives and other culinary equipment.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I teach math at LCB. My students relate to the kitchen. I like to cook and am always looking for the application of math when I am cooking. The more I can show the math related to their interest, the more interested they are in the math.
Frank,
Well said and a great strategy to follow as you strive to improve your instructional skill development.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Expanding my instructional abilities is about staying current with technology by following industry updates and training. But staying practiced with what I have learned is just as important if not more in expanding my instructional ability. The more practice the more the delivery of content improves and more understanding can be conveyed.
Elizabeth,
A good professional development plan that will keep you current and constantly expanding your expertise area.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
By taking classes online, review new material, reading medical material, staying up to date with new medical information, learning is never ending and will only help you develope your skills as a proficient instructor.
Kesha,
It is an ongoing effort for sure. We need to strive to expand our instructional expertise so we can be more effective with our delivery and impact on students. The results will be more satisfied and better prepared students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
This is true. Students respond in various ways to different teaching/learning methods.
Instructing adults can always be challenging, though, because they think they know everything - so I'm constantly searching for activities that tap into their critical thinking.
