Julia,
How do you get feedback from your students? Thanks for any methods you can share with us.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
When I am preparing for a class, I try to make sure to read over the text the students have as well as other references I may have on the subject that way I can present the information in a variety of ways. It also gives me the chance to take points/ideas from other professionals in the field which may have been left out of the classroom's textbook. I also will print out the power point and any handouts. I feel as if this helps keep the students focused on what I'm saying and not focused on trying to write down notes.
The following lab day I will then have the students perform the skill just taught to them in the previous class discussion. This allows me to see who's keeping up with the material and who is struggling.
Hello Dr. Meers,
I am utilizing the CEE courses by starting with the ED101. I found it extremely helpful. I was happy to learn that I am doing many of the suggested strategies.
As I move toward midterm examinations, I am planning on reviewing my lesson plans to make sure that I am accommodating my student's varied learning styles. I am also re-thinking the manner in which I will be testing my students. I am going to work with my supervisor to try to develop an exam that combines written and oral/demonstration components.
Thank you,
Deb
Get feedback from students
William,
Great way to approach each and every class because as we both know after many years of teaching that each class does teach us something. In addition, we need to always be on a quest for knowledge. This is what keeps us fresh and excited about what we are teaching. Thanks for the good comments.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
For me, in 40 years of teaching, I have always expanded my abilities by honest evaluation of each class I've given. Did the students seem engaged? Interested? Excited? Did they "get it?" Did the class work as I had intended? Did it work, accidentally, at some other level. What have I, yes me, learned from the class?
By using different delivery of content methods like flip charts and blackboards. Actively involve your students and encourage feedback from them. Sometimes you can learn more from the student than from the books!
Hartwell,
This is an excellent way to expand your knowledge and expertise as an educator. By being mentored you are gaining insight from those that can help you to become the educator you want to be and in return you can mentor other instructors that are seeking to become instructional delivery experts.
Gary
I am a strong believer in mentoring and being mentored. While I believe some natural talent exists in a good teacher, great teachers will ultimately be great learners. In the process of mentoring, however, it is better to have several mentors than one. We are sponges in our learning process, and we are influenced by others who each in his or her own way contributes to developing our teaching strengths. By having more than one mentor, we develop some balance in out abilities.
Subscribe to medical assisting magazines, take online courses, talk with other instructors, workshops, seminars
to learn other subject in teaching and willing to not just stop at one area but to open and be positive in learning more
Good advice...I will adhered to it, and thanks
Jennifer,
Good suggestions for expanding your professional development and expertise. This effort is always ongoing and that helps to make it exciting since we are all constantly learning new things about how to be more effective instructors.
Gary
One of the best ways to expand your instructional abilities is to join a professional organization. This will keep you up-to-date on the latest news in your field and inform you of any changes that are going on. You can also learn about what licenses and certifications are available in your field.
Another way to expand your instructional abilities is to get to know your students and the school where you teach. Learn how you can better support the students and how to fulfill the school's education goals. Make sure you know the format of the student's textbooks and any additional resources that are available to them. Learn what resources the school provides to you and how you can best use them. You should also participate on a faculty committee to learn more about what is going on with other faculty members at your school.
There are many methods to expand instructional abilities, below are some that I have used in the past as well as some I have picked up in the first sections of the class.
- First, by attending classes that present information that I can use that focus on the many aspects of teaching.
- Second, by consulting department managers and other instructors to gain insight as to what is working for them.
- Third, review institutional documentation regarding what is required as well as what resources are avilable to you.
- Fourth, by reviewing the performance of instructors I have had in the past and using what was good in their teaching methods while avoiding what was not so good.
- Fifth, watch the performance of the students for what is working for them at the moment. What works can change from day to day, even hour to hour.
- Generally learn from the successes and failures of others.
I may expand my instructional ability by taking courses as well as by meeting with professionals in the field I teach within.
Continuing one’s own education, specifically as an instructor would be an obvious answer to expanding instructional abilities, but also recalling the educators and the techniques that they used. I also assess my own performance(s) at the end of the day and note where I feel I could improve in getting an idea or concept across. I try to never be satisfied or complacent about my performance.
I expand my instructional abilities by monitoring my students progress after lectures to determine whether a change in teaching style is more successful than previous styles. I also continuously research my field and teaching methdos within my field to stay up to date with resources.
I will find that book; that you suggested, thank you!
Yes, I decided to follow this strategy, but also I have implemented points from this course. I felt more confident because of my preparation before the class last night.
