When I am creating new ways of presenting information it usually requires me to divulge more into that specific topic. I feel as if I need to have my head wrapped around a new topic when I instruct my students to complete research on the topic.
Once the assignment is complete, I learn from my students work and I am able to reflect back on the references in their work to validate what they've turned in.
It enriches my knowledge base so that when I re-teach the same topic, I now have even more to share with my next class.
I think you are so right traditional instructing is old and if we learn new ways then there is so much opportunity for learning.
I take time to read as much new items as I can on my subject to help develop my teaching skills.
I find current events to be quite useful. Each day I make sure to browse Google News to be updated on the latest happenings around the world and share the more relevant news with my students. This encourages students to see that Cultural Diversity concepts apply to the world at large, not just the classroom. In doing this, I often gain new ideas for classroom activities.
Hi Naima!
This first step to learning is being open to it no matter where it comes from nor how controverial it is. It gives us information needed for making informed decision.
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED107 Facilitator
Hi Betsy!
Good for you! It sounds like you are always looking for learning opportunities and when this happens, we learn so many things that we otherwise would not. Now - please be sure to role-model that love of life-long learning to your students.
Good job and keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED107 Facilitator
It is very difficult. There is little to no prep time, so I get on the computer at home to update power points and try to read and stay current when students are takiing a test, for example.
Hi Herschel!
Good job! Seeing what the real world is doing in any field can be very interesting and provide a great opportunity for learning.
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED107 Facilitator
Jason I have the same situation, a working chef during the day and a chef educator during the night. Each discipline enhances the skill set of the other. I also think it works as a positive and real life role model to my students.
these classes really help me to stay focus on my role as a teacher, while my passion for cooking keeps me involved in profession as a chef
It is important as an Instructor in the Culinary Arts to stay current with the trends. I find time outside of class researching these ideas, then practice executing these new trends during the class-time. I find that students like to get involved and often times can give great input to achieve success. Teaching the same class and same material can seem redundant at times, however, I feel that having confidence in the material allows for time and opportunity to explore a new topic and a new exciting way to teach that new topic.
Instructor needs to know what they teach. Mastering a subject starts with product knowledge. Seminars, workshops and other professional activities give that person an opportunity to nurture and to expend his skills as the industry changes with new trends or technology. The second part of being a good instructor is related to coaching properly anybody who takes your course. Being an expect in transforming your students requires training and experience. Contineous education helps the educators' growth in that particular area. Better understanding Andragogy, perfecting or acquiring better instructional practices is a moral and professional responsability of each of us. Therefore in my opinion it is imperative to balance the two in order to keep growing.
It is easy for my field. Things change every day, if you don't keep learning and changing you fall so behind you will not be asked back to teach again.
I'm always opened to new ideas and new information.It doesnt mater from the students or other instructors.I always benefit from it.
I keep involved and updated with my subject matter through trade organizations and publications.
I am moving up progressively with my industry certifications in my field, which require self study - and increasing my knowledge base as an instructor.
By following current events, it helps me and my students apply the classroom to relevant "rela world" scenarios.
For example, the historic 2009 Bordeauz vintage, or the latest scandal about discriminatory hiring and harassment at a local restaurant...
As a Instructor I always believe that as much knowledge as I may have in my field I also learn from my students, students are great teachers themselves who we can learn so much about ourselves. When a student wishes to show a new technique I embrace it and show it to the class and praise the student. It helps student to develop their learning and get excited about.,
Often times, I find that as I'm preparing PowerPoint presentations and other learning aids for my classes, I discover some information that is relevant to my field. I try to actively seek out information pertaining to my industry on a regular basis so that I can keep myself informed. I have found that by doing this, I'm better prepared to address questions and comments from students.
The ways I learn more is by going to demos and going to restaurants to help out seeing new ways of doing things.
Hi Richard!
What do you teach? When I have the opportunity, I like to sit in on other instructors classes. I always learn new information and ways of presenting that info. Don't forget - there is a tremendous amount of knowledge that can be learned from our students.
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED107 Facilitator
i do a lot of reading on the subjects I teach.
