Textbooks
One of the greatest challenges I have as an adjunct at 4 different institutions is ensuring that I am up to date with the current syllabi and required textbooks. Each University/College uses different methods to communicate to adjuncts and I find that I have to initiate much of the communication myself.
Each term I have a least one new textbook to read before I begin teaching. Adjuncts don't seem to get much input into the selection of the textbooks. While I don't mind using the latest editions and new approaches, I find myself spending a lot of time reorganizing my lesson plans to accommodate each change.
If not for the great joy I find in teaching as well as the satisfaction I enjoy while performing under pressure, I would give up this gig!
Scott,
I agree about the textbook. I have developed a resource packet to go with my course. This way the students get the latest information and resources. Even though the textbook is required it is not of much value to my students so I use it as a reference and let it go at that. Trying to get the resource packet to be the required "text" which will save the students money and be more valuable to them.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I agree. I teach at 2 different institutions and often find myself not using the textbook very much because it takes so much time to reorganize all my assignment numbers and pages. I write most of my assignments. With that being said, it's a shame we don't have more input in choosing the textbook, and using it for a long time. It's a shame to make a student buy a book that they don't use.
Scott
Hi Lolita,
Way to adapt your instructional coping skills to meet the situation. As you built your expertise base you were able to use what you know to be good and successful in spite of all the changes. This is the way you will continue to keep up to date with the new text books and other changes that come your way.
Gary
I used to get really stressed about the constant text changes when I first started teaching. After a while I found that it didn't bother me as much. I suppose I relied less on the text. Also, I was able to pull the best ideas from each that I had used.
As an instructor for a German high line auto manufacturer, one of my greatest challenges is keeping up with the never ending changes in technology. If something in the text book is other than what is in the power piont, or on the training car, it leaves the entire course in doubt as to it's legitimacy. I find it's better to eighther change the content, or acknowledge the discrepancy before it's an issue.
Hi Donald,
What an interesting area you teach. I know only what I have seen on TV about this area of diving. I would guess that you will have to write the "textbook" for this field yourself through the handouts and supplementary readings you find. This is what I did for a new area I started teaching without a text. After a few years I had found enough material to put together a 200 hundred page plus packet of material. I had it bound and that is what I use as a text currently. By using this method I can insert new materials each course phase when I need to as well as new work sheets. The contents of the packet are customized to my class and my students and is as current as I can make it. You might want to try this method out with your students. By using the packet method you don't have to write all of the materials yourself just collect the material as it becomes available to you. You will be surprised at how quickly the material will add up to make a packet.
I will be glad to help you or make suggestions about developing your course packet if you would like.
Gary
At our trade school we have a completely different problem with text books. The lack thereof. We teach commercial oil field diving and the only text book that goes in depth (no pun intended) enough is the U.S. Navy dive manual. The Navys diving proceduries are completely different than those used in the field so we can only use parts of t he manual in class.
I agree. Each time new books come out I have to spend time going over all handouts, reviews, syllabis, etc. updating everything. The last couple the books haven't changed, just the order. This time could be better spent on preparing for the course. I would like to see the teachiing staff have more input into what materials we teach from. (I also realize not all schools have this situation, that instructors pick the books used).
