I believe it is important to develop a rapport with students. Developing a rapport enhances success and retention. I like to try and make a connection with my students by being excited and passionate about the subject matter that I am teaching.
Tom,
Good list and good strategies. All of these will contribute to the growth of your expertise and an effective and efficient instructor.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Sherri,
You have a great plan laid out for yourself. You are going to do fine because you have good preparation and such an extensive background in your field. Have fun with your students use an ice breaker to start the class off while you all are doing introductions and before you know it you and your students are going to be settled into the class and have created a learning community.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
One approach I like to use is to sit in on other instructor's classes. Doing this, I am able to find other delivery methods that are productive with students.
Jeff
This will be my first time teaching students who are studying to "do what I have done" for the last 21 years. I have to admit, I feel very intimidated by the task at hand. Even though I feel very confident about my skills as a professional, teaching is a whole different animal. I just completed my BS degree and took many education classes. So I have a solid grasp of creating lesson plans and a basic understanding of technology.
To develop my instructional style (since I really don't feel I have one currently):
-I will observe other instructors
-Admit when what I am doing is not the best course of action and try something else
-Listen to my students
-Be compassionate and understanding
-Read Professional Literature
-Be active and engaged in my professional
These are just a few things to get me started! I am sure I will come up with many, many more after my first day!
I believe that there are several ways to improve my instructional style. Here are just a few: 1) take a course, like this one. 2) Increase my technical skills through career development outside of the college. 3) Find an instructional style that fits my teaching styles (this can be done by looking back at all of the instructors that I have had in the past and deciding what worked and what didn't work).
Tom Elegante
Timothy,
Yes, learning is never ending. As a life long learner I enjoy having the opportunity to study and learn but it does take time and effort. This is a commitment we all need to make as educators if we are to offer the most current content in our field.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Knowledge is an endless pit! You have to keep digging for more information. Our students need to feel comfortable that they are on a path to learning. Creating achievable goals that build one upon another encourage and invigorate these learners. Knowing your students and their frustrations on this road is key to the process.
I like to do in-service training and attending contunuing education such in order to enhance my knowledge as an educator.
Cynthia,
Good start to your professional development. There are many opportunities out there we educators just need to keep our eyes open for them and take advantage of them when we can.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I always look for more and new information on the subject, this keeps me informed on new things.
I do the same thing. A lot of my friend are in the field so we are talk about anything new and they keep me updated so I can deliver it to my students
I can attend/take professional development activities such as this online class to help develop my instructional style.
I believe techniques are always changing since you have to look at each group of students in a different light. Everyone learns differently, so the way I instruct one class might be different than the last.
Christopher,
I would create learning groups and have the previous students do presentations to the beginners on basic content. This way the previous students get a review as they prepare to share and the new students get to see how they will get to present when they have completed the course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Danielle,
This is a great resource for your students because you are bringing to the classroom the latest examples and content being used in your field.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Dennis,
This is a good practice to follow because this way you are adding to your expertise and knowledge. In addition you are seeing ways you can be an even more effective instructor.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
For years I have taught in a different venue and have settled into a particular style of teaching. With this new appointment, I have been observing other instructors and their techniques. I intend to incorporate some of their teaching strategies into my style.
I am still in the field part time. So I try to keep my students updated on what the doctors want them to know.
I'm new at instructing, I've only been at this for six months or so now. My style definitely needs works. Any ideas on how to keep a returning student engaged while teaching a new students some basic materials the returning student has already learned?
