The terms, they are a'changin'
After seven years of teaching, I find that I am a completely different instructor from what I was when I started. Though that sounds obvious, I also see where my instructional methods still change from term to term. No two terms of the same course are identical. No two terms are identical based on the challenges of previous terms. Ultimately, I find that the shorter lectures followed by immediate hands-on work - in my profession that means legal drafting of court-ready documents - appears to be the most effective method of instruction. However, I find that it is difficult to get students to apply what was learned in previous terms to new material in new areas in subsequent terms. To remedy this, many instructors are now working on projects together to better demonstrate how skills and knowledge flow from one area of law to another.
That's a difficult challenge. I also find that using teams to approach a problem or draft a document will bring varying ideas to the project. Different people will draw from past experiences in a way that inspires the group to recall their past learning. Does anyone else have suggestions for this?
Joseph - I also continuously adapt my class delivery and assignments to help students apply the new legal concept by testing it out. I like doing this in the group setting. I love seeing and hearing students "teach each other." There is so much learning happening there as well.
As for linking classes with building on terms, projects and assignments really does help students have a more clear understanding for how the information applies in a variety of different settings. It forces the student to not only memorize definitions but also apply it to a real situation to have a better understanding for of how it all fits together in the industry.
Hi Linda,
The key to professional development is to be forward focused on improvement. You make a number of very good points about how you can get better at selecting projects and delivering content. This is the sign of a dedicated professional.
Gary
I agree that teaching style evolves over time. I think as we teach the same courses, we find what works and what does not work. We also find new and different ways to present the material. In addition, I think every group of students presents new challenges and requires us to modify our methods as we present the material--whether it is our second time around or our fiftieth time around.
I agree that each class and term are different. Students change even though you use the same textbook, syllabus, and assignments. That is a good idea about working together on projects with other instructors.
Hi Warren,
Well said about the growth we experience as we develop our instructional skills. You are right about some of the experiences our early on students had with us. The key is to realize this and refine our skills to where we are offering our very best as professional educators.
Gary
I share your experience of growth through the years. While it is to be expected, it can also be a bit disconcerting. I can't help but consider that I did a disservice to some of my first students. I focused more on "grading" than on "learning." I have also found in enlightened understanding of my role in a classroom of adult learners. I am a guide shining a light on a path they want to walk. This is very different than a 15 year-old worried most about whether or not "Susie likes me."
Change is constant and good.
Hi Sabrina,
With the diversity of such students you are constantly getting more education that you can imagine. Make sure to keep track of what you are doing that is successful so you can duplicate it with other students as you encounter them. This gives you a great chance to be creative in your approach.
Gary
I would like to share with you the same ideas but in completly different field. Culinary: every sigle group ( every single 5th week) student are differen, their needs, levels, ways of communication are completly different. Specially their expectations.
Dr.GARY Meers; Thank you very much for your support with my learning experience.
Hi Patricio,
The personality of an instructor comes through in their teaching and that is a good thing if the personality is used to enhance the relationship between instructor and student. Teaching style can also be based upon the type of class and the environment in which it is taught so instructors need to be flexible in their planning so they can target the learning needs of their students.
Gary
I find that for most part our styles of teaching is very much unique acording to each individual instructor styles of presenting the materials to be delivery, and yes repetition does work.
Hi Joseph,
Thank you for the comments about your growth as an instructor. As with anything experience helps us all to develop our skills and become better at what we do. I have had the same experience with students being a bit reluctant to transfer their previous knowledge to new settings since they are not confident that they will be successful. By using the strategies you mentioned you can help them with the transference process and build their confidence as well.
Gary
