Being new to teaching has been a challenge. Initially, I had very limited resources and did not know how to reach my students. I used mostly hand outs (white paper) and a dry erase board. As I move on month to month, I have introduced different media to help me deliver the information adequately and effectively. We have PPT, films, discussion, debates, student presentations, field trips, games, etc. I have noticed a positive change in their reception of the material (even the material that is "not so interesting"). This change has been very satisfying! I know have a long way to go/grow but I'm happy with the improvement I have made thus far.
Hi Carol!
With the advent of email, there is not excuse for instructors not to be at the top of their game.
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED107 Facilitator
Hi Ellen!
Good for you that you give yourself "private" time and that you get plenty of rest. Both so very important anytime we work with people on a regular basis.
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
I do research on the internet and add mnemonics for me to learn. I then encourage the students to make up their own methods to remember. I tell them I do not always know the answers and we all work to find it. There is always 10 minutes for discussion at the end of the day to ensure there are no questions and we will play a game to help remember what we discussed such as family feud.
I have discussions with other instructors in different areas. I try to find out what has been working for them and incorporate them into my lesson plan. I can also google information that can give me direction or ideas to create new methodology to present the subject. Finally I have the students teach me.
Learning is an ongoing process, I am constantly reading periodicals and discussing current information with my colleagues; i integrate devoloping new teaching tools with acquiring and presenting new and current information. I make sure that I keep some 'private' time so that I am well rested and refreshed for the work week.
Hi Paula!
Great! I like to review - briefly - last weeks info. I also like to ask students at the end of each class to write down 2 concepts they learned from class discussions/presentations/reading materials/handouts. It provides consistency and continuity to the learning process.
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED107 Facilitator
Hi Curt!
It's about staying focused on the successful outcomes of students that should encourage instructors to continue learning - you know the feeling of seeing "the lightbulb" come on for students - self-gratification!
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED107 Facilitator
By constantly reviewing/analysing the learning outcomes presented to the student. I also target certain weaknesses that the students have and focus more energy on them. In finding weaknesses I often hone a skill in order to teach it to my standards. In this manner both instructor and students win.
Each night of class I find it necessary to introduce the objectives for each class and relate them to the topics to be taught. That way the students have a complete overview of the class for each evening. Using a variety of content presentation styles aids in assisting as many different learning styles as possible in connecting with the content taught.
I practice this by reviewing details about the course material to make sure that knowledge is clear. Once this is established, I note the learning styles of the student population. Taking this information into account, I then create educational activities that will benefit and stimulate the learning process. This is incorporated with assessment of their need for review and further extrapolation of the material as well as management of classroom time.
Any time students are given group work they will be graded on a grading rubric should be given along with their assignments. All students have the right to know what is expected of them to get the best grades possible.
Professional Development is the best for remaining fresh and up to date with new methods of teaching the same content over and over. Being a life long learner makes it fun to acquire new methods and techniques via content conferences, workshops, etc.
Even though the course content may not change from class to class it is extremely important to at least adjust the presentation style to the personality of the class receiving the information. With this adjustment alone it feels that every class is getting new information. I do agree that it is imperative to have the course content up to date for every class taught.
The existing format for my classes is the base from which I work. I am able to update material periodically by incorporating new material into the existing. It is very important for my information to be up to date, so the balancing effort is a full-time effort. Fortunately, there is sufficient time to do so with the guest speakers my course utilizes. They also are required to update their material before every class. The course doesn't change, however the information being provided (about 40-50%) is continually updated to reflect the most current information available.
Hi Neville!
It definitely is a delicate balance and our own approach to the love of life-long learning. I'va had the most difficulty in keeping fresh when I have taught the same subject for several semester. What I finally started doing is making sure that I added at least one thing new each week to hold my own interest. Thus providing students with something new.
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED107 Facilitator
Divide your students into groups and give each group an objective to present to the class. The empowerment might make a few of the student nervous, but will develop a sense of teamwork.
Provide the group a rubric you will be uing to grade them. This way, they know how they will be grading. Let them know you are available for them, if needed.
Once they have developed the information needed to provide the answer(s) to the objectives, have the group present the answer(s) to the class. It is during this time, the facilitator will learn additional information and can provide any additional pertinent information to the group that was not covered.
I study the topic before I lecture and do a powerpoint on that topic
I would agree whole heartedly with this statement. In teaching we sometimes find ourselves conducting class the same way instructors did in the 19th century, with many levels of students in the same class. Even in an online environment, this can happen. Getting to know the background of students call allow us to "group" them. Although we all strive to ensure the minimum requirements for a course are met, sometimes we can take students beyond the bare minimum and make the experience more interesting and informative for them.
Getting to know some of the background of the students initially and some of the teaching techniques they deem successful. Incorporating some of their suggestions into the content delivery always provides ideas either forgotten or new.
