Susana,
This is a great way to expand your knowledge of different instructional deliveries and approaches, plus it helps build connections with colleagues.
Gary
I like to observe other teachers to see how they handle different msterisl snd different situations. Also I like readng on the topic; whether it be articles or books, many found online "alibri".
there are many ways we can expand our instructional abilities: one of this ability, how to use blackboard is very important break down the main topic into the sub topics and creat the chart to related subject support with the diagrams will help the students a lot
I agree - use the strengths to overcome your weaknesses
Eric,
Right you are. We are only limited by our visions of limitations. We need to focus on the possibilities.
Gary
I believe attending more online training could prove to be effective.... and at the same time I have found that treating my own development seriously by attacking real world projects (outside of client work - intellectual properties included) helps to further develop my skillset in my particular industry.
I give printed copies to my students when I give instructions and it's always detailed.
the sky is the limit, what possibilities have not been pursued- ie life experience, q@a, direct book text w/ life experience ect.
Anton,
Thank you for sharing this example of what excitement and enthusiasm can do for the climate of a classroom/lab and school setting. I know this information will encourage other instructors as well.
Gary
Reflecting upon a recent experience of my own, I was asked to substitute on very short notice at another campus within my technical school network, to finish out the semester for a class that had already begun but was left without an instructor when the instructor was unable to finish the term. Though it was a challenging task, I took from this course the idea of letting my students know that I loved what I taught, and that I would be there to help them. I let them know that I truly enjoyed teaching basic electricity, the course they were in, and tried to model for my students the professionalism and enthusiasm for the course that I expected from them. While I was there, other instructors noticed my energy, and between classes I had many conversations with my colleagues about instructional methods & practices that might not have happened if I hadn't been enthusiastic in what could have been a tough situation. Overall I ended the semester having learned much from my colleagues, and also having a renewed zeal for the classroom.
Continuing education through both personal and professional sources.
Dalisay,
Students really like examples of how to integrate content and application.
Gary
Dalisay,
Not sure what you mean by this. Can you reformat and restate your comment and I will be glad to exchange information with you.
Gary
Adding real life scenarios/experiences to the lecture
read more the the subject matter
Knowing the subject matter in and out. Use real work experiences scenarios to give example to add to the lecture
The first step in expanding instructional abilities, in my opinion, is to know your strengths and weaknesses. You can learn this through feedback provided by both students and colleagues.
For example, perhaps you are expert in a subject like accounting, but have difficulty teaching the topic to a wide variety of learners. From there, you can observe others who might have a better handle on that particular skill.
Dalisay,
What are some ways you can do this?
Gary
become more expert on the subject matter
One way to expand my instructional abilities would be to research material before instructing to students. It does not mean that I am not knowledgeable of the subject. It helps to discuss the subject in a broader aspect and touch on new things related to the topic as well as find out current information. Another way to enhance my abilities is to always be conscious of how the student are filling during a discussion in an effort to make sure each student is understanding and is gaining knowledge,rather than assuming.
