Erin,
Growth is constant and you are growing as a result of these types of educational opportunities. It is fun to learn and grow as a professional, our students shouldn't be the only ones that get to learn.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Betina,
Good explanation of how instructors can and should read students in respect to whether they are engaged or not. As you say by doing a reading like this you can then make adjustments so that they stay focused on the content that is being delivered.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Thank you sir. During my stay in the military enviroment, I was a training instructor. Of course my style has changed significantly since that time. I realize I am not dealing with someone who has to constantly put their lives on the line, but,they are just as important in the medical field.
Learning is better, when one does not feel as though they are actually learning.
When class time is over, a few even say, man, that was quick:
And even though I am still a very regimented instructor, OCD when it comes to skills training and educating my students: when it comes to class time, They expect a certain level of learning and knowledge; I want to be the one who gives them that and more!
Perhaps as instructor of our set careers, we have become dull to use to what is going in our career realm. But, when it comes to teaching, what you do, and you are good at your career; we need to put ourselves in the students position and show over-the-top enthusiam about, delivering information. Involve a sense of humor, make the student feel they can ask you a question, you are approachable. Make them feel involved. If you go into a lecture, and the lecturer is monotone, and dry, that is the longest lecture in the world! Enthusiam, is the key. You can intrigue you students about collecting garbage; if you have the right attitude of enthusiam on the subject matter!
Enhancing my education and knowledge by taking continue education courses that apply and relevant to the correculum being taught. It is important to keep up to date with technical skills, products, knowledge.
Practice voice lessons, especially if lecturing in large rooms without microphones.
I can get feedback from colleagues about what works for them and then refine it based on my own unique style.
By attending any in-services my company offers. Taking additional online classes geared toward instructional style improvement. Observing others teaching around me.
I can understand your apprehension. As an instructor online and in a traditional brick and mortar educational institution, student feedback is pinnacle.
In face to face communication with my students in the classroom setting, I find myself constantly assessing student engagement, reading facial expressions, and body language. Many times, these observations provide me with an indication that I may need to switch gears, expound on a concept, or provide a parable that will better relay a message.
Jason,
Good plan. It should help you to continually expand your instructional expertise.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Take courses in education. Co-teach courses. Evaluations by supervisors who sit in on courses taught. Keep a daily journal and continually make course adjustments.
I keep up with my continuing education and look to my fellow instructors for tips and suggestions.
Agreed wholeheartidly. I think this should be required before the first class, not within the the first 2 weeks.
Katherine,
You have a great professional development plan laid out for yourself as well as a great attitude about expanding your knowledge and expertise as an educator. The results of all your efforts I know will be increased learning on the part of your students. You are have and will continue to impact the lives of the next generation of students entering your field.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Christina,
Good plan to follow because the outcome will be more targeted instruction on your part and increased on the part of students. A win win for everyone.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I totally agree Jessica. I am a visual learner and I find that students especially when learning about clinical skills benefit more when they see it by either live demo or video.
I have been in the teaching field for 10 years but teaching hands-on clinical teaching. I have taken online courses and especially had several fantastic mentors to enhance my clinical teaching skills. My mentors have been the greatest teachers! I also take above and beyond the necessary continuing education requirements to broaden my knowledge out in the workplace. I am currently working to obtain a masters in teaching so I can advance into more classroom teaching. I have had a little opportunity to lecture and have had help and advice from colleagues regarding my instructional style. I am looking forward to continuing courses here to further develop my instructional teaching.
To develop my instructional style the first thing that I do is to recognize the student's learning styles and to accommodate each in my ongoing efforts to make the class more inviting.
Sherri,
Glad to hear that these types of classes are of help to you and your professional development. This is our mission. Observing colleagues is a great way to get ideas about how to expand your own instructional delivery options plus you will be able to ask these individuals about specific aspects of instructional development.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
John,
The teaching by walking about model is a good one for you to continue. This offers you repeated opportunities for individual interaction with students as they are working through class topics. You desire to use more visuals in the future is a good effort to undertake as the more senses you can use in delivering your content the engaged your students will be.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
