Using several techniques.
All too often instructors, including myself, get use to teaching a certain way. We never vary our set ways to help accommodate our students. Perhaps my preferred way of teaching is useful for auditory learners, and yours benefits the tactile learners. We all need to vary our teaching methods to accommodate our students. Should we have regulations in place that force instructors to use several teaching methods other than their preferred method of teaching?
Selecting multiple instuctional methods is a must. The more the diversity of delivery the greater the opportunity for the students to learn. As instructors/educators we must keep in mind that not all delivery systems are appropriate for all instructors. I have observed some instructors who just don't get the idea that they are limited in their delivery methods. PowerPoints (PP) are great if the person takes great effort to create interesting presentations. Some PP presentations are noninformative and can be confusing as to "why" the slide was created but, to that educator the PPs are great - B.S. I suggest that educators learn which presentation method is his or her strong point and try to limit implimenting the other methods. The other point to consider is the amount of time needed to prepare using all other methods in a particular class - great presentations take a great amount of time. Does everyone have infinite time with outside obligations?
Hi Randolph - Thanks for sharing a good tip - be responsive to what is happening in your classroom, rather than being bound totally to a lesson plan. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
I try to very the way I instruct by anaylizing the course all the time.I use power points, props charts and factual accounts to get a lesson accross be inventive not regulated!
Hi Connie - Interesting question! My college has a Center for Teaching and Learning that does observations of all instructors on a regular basis. Obviously the new instructors are observed more often. The feedback that all instructors get is meant to help them improve, and an emphasis is put on teaching to the learning styles. Best wishes! Susan
