To further develop, refine, and enhanace my instructional style I can take more training courses; conduct more presentation exercises to students and colleagues.
Trial and error...something that is easy for me to explain may not be easy for students to understand, so I have to find a new method. This gives me multiple tools in my belt. I also get as many ideas as I can from other instructors and take advantage of instructor resources; for instance, my professional association has classes based on teaching my field specifiaclly.
I think something to employ as a technique to refine instructional style would be to give students leaning style assessments and also poll them about what thy are looking for from a class. That way you can tailor the class around that information.
Brandon,
Common sense and the willingness to learn is a great way to expand your expertise and develop professionally. Thanks for your input on this.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I couldn't agree more! I never had any formal course work in education (whether it be educational psychology or the more applied courses) but I have developed in leaps and bounds through falling on my face in low-stakes classroom enviroments (being an invited speaker, not an instructor) and adapting until something clicks. Adaptability is key!
William,
This is the creative part of being an instructor. You are able to make connections that might be missed by the students and turn these connections into projects. This helps to expand their critical thinking skills.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I go out as often as I can to see shows, visit museums, watch shows on-line and try to find ways to look outside of the box to bring in ideas into the class room that can link different areas that you would not always think go together. Maybe it is paintings and fashion. How can you blend the two into a project?
Rhonda,
You have a great support system to continue to develop your knowledge and expertise as an educator. I wish you continued success in both teaching and professional growth.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Kirson,
You raise a good point about knowing the other courses your students are taking. This way you can relate your subject matter to the other courses and help your students to see how the various parts of their educational program fit together.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I continue to attend professional activities and take continuing education. I occasionally work relief in my field to stay current in my technical ability. I am also a member of Association of Veterinary Educators (AVTE). The AVTE has given me excellent ideas to better define and perfect my instructional style. There is a support board to post your questions and/or concerns. Then others in my career add their suggestions and insight. I am very humbled to all the support.
Two key techniques I employ to improve my instructional style is engaging in online courses such as this course and also expanding my base knowledge of their curriculum as a whole. Knowing the basic applications of other classes your students are taking greatly enhances your relevance and rapport.
Albert,
As a veteran teacher you know what captures their attention and it is such things as demos and projects. As you know adults are no different than children when it comes to being able to see and experience their learning.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
As a physics teacher I really enjoy doing as many demos as possible in class. Although we don't have an actual physics lab at our campus I try to purchase and/ or borrow pieces of equipment from the high school at which I taught prior to my retirement. I keep looking for new methods and things (toys) etc. which clearly demonstrate concepts. The demo never fails to engage students' interest and I plan on increasing this element to my teaching when possible.
Sara,
Two very important words in the world of teaching. By having passion for the field and enthusiasm about sharing the content the instructor is set up to be a very valuable learning leader.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Nancy,
This is the way to continually expand your expertise as an instructor of merit. Keep up the good work and taking advantage of learning opportunities.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Katherine,
First your attitude about how to approach the classroom says a lot about the success you are going to enjoy as a teacher. You obviously like people and sharing with them in a learning environment. Then building on that you are striving to develop new and creative ways to offer content to your students. This is what professional development should be about. I wish you continued teaching success for many years to come.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Carlos,
I think you are going to really like the results you get with re-organizing your syllabus. A clear and concise syllabus sets the tone for a positive and supportive class to come.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
A passion and enthusiasm for the subject matter really helps. Students stay motivated if they sense YOU are truly interested in what's being taught and you're not just phoning it in.
I watch and learn from my fellow instructors. I also attend as many Continuing ed classes as possible.
I like to pay attention to the students. I learn something new from each new class...sometimes from each new student. Each new experience provides a chance or the possibility of learning ways to enhance, improve or change a teaching style.
