I can continue to enhance the learning experience by developing an interactive approach to learning that is designed to encourage effective demonstration of competiencies
Candace,
You are right there with your comments about enhancing and refining your instructional style. All three contribute in their own way to the professional growth of instructors.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Janis,
Congratulations on your program leading to your Doctorate. You are fortunate to be in the mix of cutting edge instructional development and delivery as a result of your studies. The idea of talking with colleagues and gaining insight from them is a good way to enhance professional growth.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I believe continuing education, peer discussions and evaluation, and time in front of the class are three important techniques that will enhance and refine my style.
I talk to other instructors and find out things that work for them.
I am also a doctoral student which helps me to develop as an instructor.
Janis Collins
Lewis,
As an instructor that cares about student engagement you are reaching out to your students to let them know if they will put forth the effort you will be there to assist them with their work. Good way to start a course off.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I get to on-campus classes early for students who want to talk or ask questions. I learn more about their learning styles and ways I may change my teaching to suit their style. I telephone all interested students online to chat, answer questions, and set the tone and climate for the course.
Trevor,
Passion for one's field and enthusiasm about getting to teach it goes a long way in engaging students. Keep up what you are doing because it sounds like it is working well for you.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Trevor,
Thank you for these comments and words of encouragement for this instructor. I know this individual appreciates how you have been able to engage the students that you are working with in a way that helps them move toward their career goals.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Thomas,
I wish you much success in your teaching effort. You have a great outlook on teaching and how you are going to be able to impact the lives of your students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I am a young instructor--only 28--and most of my students so far have been older than me, and not a single one of them an English major...curious!
My style has been characterized--I hope--by the energy I have within my area. I've been fortunate to have teaching positions within my specific field, admittedly. To some extent, I feel like I've tried to make up for years of experience with enthusiasm. This is perhaps not the best idea, but it is difficult being a young man in an older man's job.
Whatever my insecurities, they've helped me reach out to find new material and new ways of approaching topic. I've spent a great deal of time searching for successful classroom ideas and re-imagining classroom activities as I've gone through courses in private 4-year, public 2-year, and private vocational schools. Each room has been different, and I've always striven to be adaptable, and to apply my energy in the ways that seem best suited to the individual class dynamic in which I find myself.
Trevor
I've been in a related situation since I started teaching--I'm a liberal arts kid myself, but all of the programs in which I've found myself teaching have been very strong nursing programs. I work now as the registrar for a small, private LPN program in Chicago in addition to teaching, so my engagement with health professionals has grown exponentially.
Many of them are like you, exploring teaching after long careers in practice. I relate to them from almost the opposite perspective--I've always wanted to teach, and I'm in no way a health professional.
The challenge, in my experience with healthcare students, has been to build a sense of relevancy with course material. As an English teacher, there is usually a point where my students realize that I know at least a little bit about what they're experiencing, and that moment opens up the possibilities of the classroom. My style, more recently, has been centered around getting that moment to happen earlier and earlier in the semester.
Best of luck to you in your new career path. I'd look forward to hearing more about what you learn in your first teaching gig!
Best,
Trevor
The teaching skills that were taught in this program are ones that can be used in the field. the style in which they show you to keep the class room engaged in what you have to say. I hope to apply these methods soon
Cleveland Joel,
I wish you much success as you continue to impact the lives of your students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Thanks for the response! I like the term "edutainment". I will definitely employ this technique and keep the "sell" aspect of teaching in practice. I appreciate the feedback!
Cleveland Sigh
Richard,
You make a good point about accountability for yourself as a professional and for your students. By staying current and your students knowing you are current you are demonstrating your desire to bring the latest content to your courses. This sends a very powerful message to your students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
One of the biggest developing aids to a class is the constant refreshing of material. New information comes out, and I like to share that information with the students to help get them excited about learning. The more they see that I am trying to keep up with the latest news in my trade and relate it to them, the more participation I get because the students see that I am constantly trying to keep them on the cutting edge.
Cleveland,
To be a engaging instructor you need to be yourself and use your personality to "sell" the course content. Don't be afraid to have fun with your activities such as using games, role playing and case studies. Think in terms of "edutainment". This is a blending of education and entertainment to the point that the students stay focused on the learning process while enjoying the classes and the interaction with others.
You are already seeking improvement via your taping of your lectures. Review them for ways to improve your delivery but don't become too bogged down in the process. Be flexible and adapt as you go along in the class. This way you will be able to meet the goals of the class and help your students to meet their career objectives.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Ruth,
You are fortunate to have such great resources available to you. Keep taking advantage of them for your professional growth as well as the enhancement of your instructional delivery which benefits your students. This is a win win for everyone.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Kelvin,
I think you will like the results you get from these activities.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
