Pitfall
One thing I have noted is that instructors who have taught a course many times seem to go into a lecture cold. I feel you need to review the material EVERY time you teach it... first or fortieth time.
I agree with reviewing beforehand, and also updating the material as you teach the course. I think you need to be a little flexible and not get frustrated or rushed if you are not covering the material you intended to cover that day. Clearly the material needs to be relevant, but if you cover it out of order, I would like to think the students are receptive to get the material adapted to as they are asking questions.
Jeffrey,
You make a very good point about how to relate career stories at critical times in the course. As much as we would like to go on and on about our experiences they need to be specific to the topic at hand and of benefit to the students. Thanks for making this point for us.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I am an instructor that never had to work a day in my life. For 35 years I did what I loved to do. The pitfall that I fell in was the students loved to hear the stories and I loved to talk about them and before I knew it I lost time to teach the lecture for the day. So keep the stories to the point of the lecture.
Mary,
I agree with you about the constant learning. This is what makes teaching as much fun as it is. I get to learn and teach about my field and get paid for doing it.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Teaching a subject for many years, I have found that I still keep learning as textbooks change as well as the advancement of knowledge.
This is very important. I review my lesson plan before each class to refresh my memory. In addition, I try to add new information or remove outdated information at that time.
Hi Dara,
Good points about how to increase the motivation and excitement of your students while they are in your class. What are some ways you have found that work with your students that you can share with other instructors?
Thanks in advance for the information.
Gary
Not only do you need to review material, you need to constantly search for ways to update it and make it more interesting, applealing, and even entertaining. Students should enjoy the class while they are learning the materials.
I also agree with you, specially if your subject is technology, which changes exponentially.
I agree - you can always find new instructional materials, updated examples, or improve a section of the class that the students find difficult. And unless you've taught that topic within the week already, you'll probably need to double check a detail on a learning activity.
