New Instructor
I am a new instructor but have worked for the company for 3.5 years as an assistant. It is very different to be in charge of the class and know all of the material. I am still getting my footing on becoming a well versed instructor. I have assisted other instructors and have seen many different teaching styles. I try to incorporate what I have seen from them and also the best way that I learn new material so that I can provide the best atmosphere for my students. I am finding this material very helpful. Thank you!
Peter,
Great to hear and I wish you continued teaching success.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I am a new instructor and am going through the many soft skills courses offered to me. I have over thirty one years of experience in the field and am now learning ways to effectively pass on my knowledge to the students. All and any courses are greatly helping me.
Violet:
I have been teaching at a university level for over 15 years and I still remember how nervous I was when I started out. I can tell you that even after 15 years, that pre-class preparation and in class flexibilty are essential. In addition, getting to know your students well on the first meeting is critical. According to Li-Fang(2004, p.233) "in the present study, the author investigated the role of thinking styles in university students' preferences for teaching styles and their conceptions of effective teachers. Students (121 men and 134 women) from the University of Hong Kong responded to 3 self-report tests: the Thinking Styles Inventory-Revised (R. J. Sternberg, R. K. Wagner, & L-F. Zhang, 2003), the Preferred Thinking Styles in Teaching Inventory, and the Effective Teacher Inventory. Results indicated that even after age, gender, and academic discipline were controlled, particular thinking styles predisposed students to particular teaching styles. Moreover, as expected, students were open to more than just teaching styles that precisely matched their own thinking styles. Results also indicated that students' thinking styles made a difference in their conceptions of effective teachers. Discussions are focused on the study's contributions to both the style literature and the growing body of knowledge on characteristics of effective teachers".
Your thoughts?
Li-Fang, Z. (2004). Thinking styles: University students' preferred teaching styles and their conceptions of effective teachers. The Journal of Psychology, 138(3), 233-52. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/213832870?accountid=35812
Violet,
Glad the material has been helpful to you and I welcome you to the teaching profession. With your experience and expertise you are going to be able to acquire the teaching skills to make an impact on the lives of your student and move them closer to their career goals.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
