The most important aspect to me is observing my students in class and gauging their progress. If my students look bored, confused, or apathetic, it is a signal to me that I need to vary my teaching strategies and change my teaching style a bit. For example, if I see confused faces after a lecture, I will provide a short review or assessment in the form of a small group activity or a partner activity. Also, keeping an eye on my students' progress helps me determine whether or not I'm an effective instructor. If students do not seem to be progressing, it will make me reflect on my teaching style and strategies.
I feel the same way. This course is helping me develop my skills and instructional style. I'm at first year teacher and I really do not know my instructional style yet.
To further develop, refine and enhance my instructional style, I can take online courses like this and reflect back upon when I was in college and how certain professors presented the material to me. I can also observe other professionals to gain insight into various instructional styles.
To further develop, refine and enhance my instructional style, I can take online courses like this and reflect back upon when I was in college and how certain professors presented the material.
I have found that confidence in the classroom is among the most important factors to successful instruction. For me that was accomplished by teaching short very specific topics. Sounds like a simple thing but at the institution I teach at we have real problems with instructor confidence.
I feel like my instructional style changes from class to class. Mainly because the students change, and I feel I have to change my style to suit what their needs are. I feel like the institute I work for helps and supports the type of instructor I am.
Raven,
Go way to let your instructional style evolve and become more student centered. You are finding the balance you desire as you gain experience in the classroom. Keep up the good work.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
This is my first year teaching and my instructional style was quite different. I mostly did all the talking and explaining but I learned that students interact and learn more when they are involved. I get more feedback when I have student's going to the board and solving problems. This method catches their attention and they are much more eager to learn. By getting all my students involved in my instuctional process has improved their grades overall. When I was in college, we basically listened to our teacher lecture and took notes. It wasn't alot of teacher-student involvement. I realized that this method may not be the best for the class that I am teaching. We do several in-class group assignments and this has helped them tremendously in the learning process.
Shane,
Great opportunity for you to be creative and really develop your own personal style while engaging your students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Carole,
You have a host of resources available to help you with your professional development. You are in a great position to expand your knowledge and skill as an educator. I wish you the best in these efforts.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Read about teaching, speak with other teachers, continue my own education
I have been lucky in that the institution that I work for is very flexible in instructional styles that I use in class.
I take continuing education courses in my field to stay up to date on current information. My educational institute provides online learning resources and in-house training to improve my effectiveness as an instructor.
Tammie,
Good plan for expanding your expertise as an educator. I wish you continued teaching success.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
The techniques I can employ to further develop, refine and enhance my instructional styles would be to do more peer-to-peer review and take some courses that may be beneficial.
Keith,
Good plan to have. What are some other ways you are enhancing your professional development?
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Brandy,
Great resource for you to have. By having the results of the learning styles of your students you will be able to customize your delivery and cover the different learning preferences of the students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Francis,
You make a good point about the need for different instructional styles to meet the different class levels. By doing so you are able to really connect with your students and increase the value of the content for them. Your use of connections between the content and their lives is a great way for them to see relevancy. The more relevancy the more value they will associate with the course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I feel that continuing education courses on development will improve my knowledge and enhance my instructional style.
