My classes come with lab time, and what I like to do is lecture, and then show them in the lab what I talked with them in lecture. My students love this set-up.
I find that our faculty in-services always provide me with some better insights to and reminders of better instructional practices. That is mostly because the folks organizing these events in my college are first-rate teachers themselves. Another way I improve my instructional abilities is to pay attention to what my younger colleagues are doing in their classes and incorporate some of their ideas into my lesson plans.
I can expand my instructional abilities by practicing and also, knowing who my target audience is and appealing to the different learning styles to ensure that everyone learns the content.and also attending educational sessionns/workshops etc. to continue to inprove myself.
I can expand my instructional abilities by being more aggressive with using technology. I lecture with a white board and hand-outs. I intend to use more powerpoint presentations so that the lesson can be more graphically rich and easier to read.
Continuing to take advantage of information to improve my instructional style. My instructional style is relating, giving examples and case scarnerio. I expand on more research and keeping current on the information that is being taught.
Most of my students are auditory learners
1. Classroom observation
2. Independent Instructional resources (online courses!)
3. Student feedback
4. Objective measurement of student progress as it relates to the content delivery method.
Having worked in a Veterinary Medical environment for many years I have been exposed to a very wide spectrum of the practice of the "same" medicine; I believe this to be true in education. While there may be the same theory(ies) driving the body of knowledge, there are as many teaching styles as there are instructors. My goal is to identify my own teaching style and fine tune it to accomplish my professional goals and to deliver a body of knowledge that is both foundational and practical for my students as they enter their chosen field as entry level care providers.
Researching new material and gathering needed supplies so the students will have everything they need right in front of them. Especially in the medical field, where modern medicine is always changing.
Cheryl
I believe delivering content in an online environment helps me reach broader variety of learning abilities. I teach in an on ground classroom, but often have my students complete online assignments.
ARADHANA,
I like the strategies you suggest for professional development. Observing and listening to other professionals can as you know greatly expand your instructional knowledge. Keep up the effort.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Thgat does not surprise me. If you were not using real aplications in teaching mathematics, you would be doing your students a disservice!
Expanding instructional abilities requires an open mind, willingness to improve, willingness to have other faculty members make class observations and suggestions. More importantly to take seminars in your area of teaching, the constant improvement and upgrading of syllabi.Also, it helps to observe the instructional styles of your peers and learn from them. Everyone has something new to teach.
One way is to always learn something back from the students -- ask questions at the beginning of the class, like what do they expect out of the class, what is the main reason the are taking the course? Then, at the end of the class, do a survey of where they are now, as opposed to when they started. It will be helpful the next time out, always expanding your instructional abilities.
I have to read the book or assignment given in advance. It helps prepare for my instruction. I add other items from the field I work in--to which I hope it would make sense of the material the students will be learning about. The medical field is an awesome field and students like to hear more of it, but only if it relates the instructional material I present.
accessibility trainer and teacher does not happen overnight. For some, the ability to effectively teach others comes naturally. For others, a lot of work is involved. An accessibility trainer must be a Jack-of-all-trades, and an Ace of a few as well. The more tools i have the more effective i will be. Here are just a few of the skills i may need as Web accessibility trainers:
Teaching ability
Communication skills (verbal and written)
Web design
Web development
Programming
Graphic design
Multimedia production
Instructional design
Organizational skills
File management
Presentation development
accessibility trainer and teacher does not happen overnight. For some, the ability to effectively teach others comes naturally. For others, a lot of work is involved. An accessibility trainer must be a Jack-of-all-trades, and an Ace of a few as well. The more tools i have the more effective i will be. Here are just a few of the skills i may need as Web accessibility trainers:
Teaching ability
Communication skills (verbal and written)
Web design
Web development
Programming
Graphic design
Multimedia production
Instructional design
Organizational skills
File management
Presentation development
In Math I use real life applications of the topic and that makes it very interesting to students who run away from math.
I take courses, read professional journals, attend conferences, publish articles, and consult.
I believe that by participating in forums such as these and various types of other continuing education activities is a great way to expand my instructional abilities.
Timur,
These are great ideas for new instructors to think about and implement as a part of their professional development. Shadowing previous professors and/or those in their buildings are great ways to pick up methods that can be used in their own teaching efforts.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I think a way to improve one's own instructional abilities is an expansion of one of the items covered in this course. The course asks us to rethink our own experiences in academic settings, both our favorites and our hardest courses.
If this is feasible, I would encourage new instructors to go back over old stomping grounds in a physical sense as well. Ask for some facetime with old professors, and pick their brains about what it takes to offer good instruction. Ask if you might shadow a class or two of theirs. Being in that same classroom, but observing from the point of view of a full-fledged instructor rather than a student, can do wonders about figuring out specifically what works in a class room and what doesn't.
