I like to take advantage of any faculty inservices offered. Generally, they address developing and improving teaching methods. As mentioned above in another post, any teaching opportunity can be used to refine my instructional style. During classes where I am the learner, I like to make note of new teaching methods and ways I can use them in my own classes.
My favorite method for developing my own style is by taking more classes! There is a game I play with myself as I learn; to think about how would I present the same material? i.e. What story could I share from my own experience to demonstrate that point?
It keeps me alert as other people ask questions and helps me to ask more in-depth questions as I go through the material with the intention of being able to teach it one day.
:) Even though I likely won't teach that particular subject, it stimulates my brain and keeps me paying close attention to how the teacher is teaching.
Beyond that, I strive to graciously accept feedback and direction from my program administrator and be attentive to the needs expressed by my students -both verbally and through their body language.
Kathy
I can definitely see myself re-organizing the provided syllabi by making it more student-friendly. If the student can feel more at ease the first day, I believe he or she will be a better student.
Aldorey,
Good start to your professional development. What are some other ways you can expand your expertise as an instructor?
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
By taking online courses such as this course and also doing peer observation.
Elizabeth,
This is what professional development should be about. Keep up the continual process of becoming aware of how you can be an even more effective and efficient instructor.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Natalie,
How do you internalize these areas for instructional improvement?
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I find that every class, every module, I need to adjust my techniques. With doing that I am not only helping my students but helping myself keep class interesting and updated.
As a pharmacology instructor, I constantly keep up with new drugs and potential adverse effects from the news of the day so that I can be relevant to a younger student group. I notice that students will discuss relevant, current topics related to the course.
I can continue to learn new techniques and methods of teaching, by taking continuing education courses. Thus helping me to better help my students retain and apply their skills.
Self-reflection and continual, honest evaluation is key.
I like to think that my style is one that respects the students, at the same time expecting a lot from them. I think that once you have there respect they will do all what they need to do in the class.
Instructional style can be developed through trial and error. Over time you learn what works well, what doesn't work, what used to work well but doesn't work anymore, etc. The key is to be flexible and willing to change.
Instructional style can be refined by continuing to study/master the subject. As the teacher learns new methods they can be passed on to students.
Instructional style can be enhanced by being personable and attentive to the students in a professional non-threatening manner.
Joan,
By observing and listening to other professionals you are expanding your knowledge and expertise as a professional educator. This is what all of us should be about as we develop our instructional skills.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
This next quarter I plan to incoporate more hands on activities
I agree with you on this one Jamie; I am an Medical Assistant Insructor and keep up on my skills this is very important.I have a friend that runs a office and on weekends I will volunteer to work for her. This allows me to know the changes in the field and technology and also give back.
Recently, I have taken several professional development programs. Along with what I learned regarding the topic, I also paid attention the styles and methods of the instructors. I have seem some techniques that I like and have been experimenting with them in my own classroom.
I participate in programs such as this, speak with other instructors to acquire styles they find effective and also speak with students to determine how they learn best.
Khayyam,
Well described and implemented instructional style. This approach is comprehensive and leads to increased instructional effectiveness and student engagement. Thanks for sharing for instructional efforts with us. I know they will be of value to other instructors especially those just starting their teaching careers.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
There are several strategies I want to utilize to enhance my instructional style. Some of these I already use and some I still need to use. Among those that I already use, I certainly can increase my use of them as well.
1) Speak with students: This can take the form of conversations or anonymous mid-term instructor evaluations. In my shorter classes, those that meet for less than 5 weeks, I provide an end of the term instructor evaluation so that I can learn for the next class.
2) Speak with other instructors: Other instructors may have valuable experience that I can learn from, ranging from the presentation of material, to how provide feed back that is encouraging and everything in between.
3) Take classes: This one explains itself and was discussed well in the readings. In fact, isn't this one of the reasons we're using Max Knowledge? :-)
4)Stay up to date in my field: If I fall behind in my field, my in class examples will become dated and irrelevant. If students do not see the relevance of the information I present to them, they will be less interested in the subject matter, and understandably so. It is my duty to ensure students understand the relevance of the information presented in class, and one thing I need to do to achieve this goal is to stay up to date in my field.
