Daniel,
This is such a great way to offer the latest best practices in your field to your students. Your efforts in staying current greatly increases the value of the content to and for your students resulting in their realizing the ROI for their career development.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
As an instructor for criminal justice and the forensic courses, I bring in over 30 years of field experience and continually keeping up with the latest training and professional discipline specific courses. These combined, I can refine the courses to include real life experiences to support the lecture so that the students can visually or mentally reinforce the information within themselves. Keeping up with constant legal changes allows me to give the students the latest and most accurate information available.
1st I have a developmental plan. I take continuing education courses, observe and evaluate other instructors and participate in professional organizations. I attend workshops run by my college and our accrediting agency. I also participate in accreditation visits to other institutions. I think the key is continually seeking improvement and knowledge through education. The plan is critical.
Kim,
By using both you are able to keep your course on target and moving toward a successful completion. This is very reassuring to students and helps them to stay focused for the duration of the course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Jacqueline,
Students love stories as you know so keep sharing your stories and with 30 years of experience I am sure you will never run out of examples and situations that you can share with your students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Be sure to use the course outline as well as personal experiences of yourself and the students.
I am a story teller. It fits well with all the different courses that I teach. I have been in my field for over 30 years and have many stories I have not told yet
Kola,
Good observation. Faculty are much like students in that they are very diverse. Some are really dedicated to student success and others are drawing a paycheck.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Kola,
All of these approaches blend together to support your students and help them to see the value of the content being offered. This is how you get engaged students that are focused on their career development. Keep up the good work.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Angela,
All good ways to customize your instruction to the specific needs of your currently enrolled students. These methods are what are going help your student move toward their career goals and increase their satisfaction with their courses.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Angela,
You are the learning leader and a model for your students. Your efforts will help to guide and engage your students as they move through the course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Blanca,
This is such a great place to be as an educator. Your institution values you and what you are contributing to your students thus they are willing to spend the time and money to help you grow as a professional educator.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
One good thing I have found about these professional development courses is that even though they may appear like one of the many courses mone would take and eventually forget, as practicing teachers, over time, one begins to apply the materials unconsciously. I have noticed such development personally in my delivery.
Something I had noticed in the past few years since we started having the quarterly faculty orientations is that faculty who participate regularly in these orientations seem to be the most responsive when it comes to timely posting of grades, timely submittal of syllabi and other required pre-class materials, and regular participation in the on-going faculty development programs.
I discovered over the years that many students like the classroom discussion format as part of their regular class activities. Many students immediately warm up in the class when they have to contribute to an on-going discussion. Periodic field trips are also good. In addition, for variety, the instructor may, periodically, show a short film on the specific subject matter being addressed.
I have found that your students will get excited for knowledge if you the instructor have passion for it. I love to learn and I think that's contagiuos.
I also sit in on other instructors lecture. I think back on teachers i've had and things that I felt help me. I ask my kids as wells as students on what works for them. I also take a few mintues with new students to test them on the type of learner they are.
Always make sure I look professional and lead by example and to try to change up the way I introduct the information to the students in class. Survey students for input.
I am very lucky because the institution that I currently teach at gives me the needed tools to succeed. They supply me with CE courses online and on ground to enable me to grow as an instructor. They give me the use technology to aid in student learning and further my capabilities. Lastlt, they allow me to go to seminars where I can visually see the use of new materials and technology and then use them in the classroom and laboratory.
Gerald,
Great to hear of the value these courses are to you. Welcome to teaching. I wish you much success as you impact the lives of your students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
