Absolutely Eric!
If we are on top of the subject we instruct and stay in tune with the students, we are continuously learning.
Good job!
Jane Davis
ED107 Facilitator
As an educator, teaching has become second nature. The new experience with each class comes with learning new course materials, getting to know the students and their learning styles.
In preparation for class or balancing the need to learn more about a topic with my need to develop new ways of teaching, I include activities that allow students to work independently, in groups, and provide opportunities for whole group discussion with each class.
When students do not come to class prepared, class time is not a waste due to my including a group activity that will assist them in grasping concepts after I reviewed the chapter(s) for the day.
you must constantly be open to new and updated information on the subject you teach so you can stay in step with our fast paced world.
The more immature students, usually the younger students, are readily disenthused after only a few minutes of straight lecture. So yes, Eduardo, I agree that periphery visual aides around the room, an organized and colorful white board, the use of power points, and even a little appropriate music can bring their interest level back to where they become engaged
I review the material before and after each new class. I have found that I can always add or restructure the material presented to accomodate the class make up. I also research current events and historical events to make the application of the information more interesting.
With adult learners, I will incorporate more correlation to historical and current events. It helps them to see the material as it ties into their daily lives and how it can directly affect them in the future. I am able to incorporate more free flowing discussions and allow more animated "exchange of opinion".
With younger learners, I will incorporate more multimedia presentations and generally provide a more structured presentation to avoid getting off track or losing the students attention.
Hi Paul!
Good for you! Instructors have to realize that they do not know it all. When they don't, the student isn't the only loser. Learning must be a life-long adventure for all of us.
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED107 Facilitator
As said before, learning about the subject one teaches along with being able to be creative and knowing your students.
As said before, learning about the subject one teaches along with being able to be creative and knowing your students.
Although the class time is 4 hours; time goes by fast. I try to plan an individual activity, as well as a group activity, along with the class lecture and some type of assessment.
Unfortunately, students feel they have to "get a grade" for everything they do; instead of taking the activity as a learning experience.
I enjoy learning from my students and tell them that I only know what I know and I'm willing to find out what I don't know with their help. I try to empower the students to be active in their learning without looking for "a grade".
Ususally I refeclt at the end of a course on issues that I want to hadnle better for the next tiem i teahc the course and make a note of making changes to to make myself a beeter instructor
Humility is a great asset for me. If I am humble I will more easily adapt. If I am in a "Know it all" mode, I will stagnate and get complacent. I manage my time better through humility. it keeps me grounded.
Time managment is critical, and I find through experience that humility is a great asset. If I assume that I know it all, I get stagnant and become unwilling to adapt or change. If I am humble, I am more willing to seek out ways to improve.
Hi Connal!
Good job! The one area that you did not mention is learning from you students. Remember they have so many things to teach us.
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED107 Facilitator
Hi Roy!
This is truly what education/instruction is about - instilling a passion for life-long learning.
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED107 Facilitator
Hi Rebecca!
I understand - I felt like I was pushed off the deep end of the pool. But you know, Rebecca, I floated to the top. Individuals who want to be instructors have a passion for what they do and learn very quickly.
I found being creative, knowing the subject matter, allowing students to help you learn and having fun are key components. Sure - we have to check off all the required boxes for the institution where we work, but there's natural ability that comes with an instructor.
Be sure to interact with those instructors who you think are good in the classroom. Ask them could you sit in on one of their classes and continue to be a learner.
AND - keep your passion! Good job!
Jane Davis
ED107 Facilitator
I read industry magazines and generally research my subject area to learn new and current information. I talk with fellow instructors about subject matter and delivery methods. And I constantly tweak my delivery and instruction style, always trying to be mindful of how students are receiving information and performing tasks.
I find that the bset way to balance this challenge is by soliciting feedback from students and by being open to trying new things. Not only does this give me the opportunity to make the material fresh, but it also encourages the students to be part of the creation process. They feel valued with their feedback and I learn how to make the material more relevant and engaging.
I have 30 years experience in the academic area and subject matter that I teach. I do frequently "pick up" some new statistic or interesting development in my field that I find interesting, unusual, or challenging. BTW...I love current events. When I do find or learn something new, I attempt to introduce, explain the significance and / or impact of this new information and try to help my students connect the dots. I mostly focus on learning new and interesting ways to share information "new" and "old". While I do lecture, I am constantly trying to find new ways to share the information and encourage "true" learning by linking what we are talking about to the students future success.
Hi Elizabeth!
Thanks for the question, let's see where we can take it.
I like to let students help "teach" the class. I assign different sections to designated groups and ask them to share the info. Groups come up with games, others will lecture and then test, others get very elaborate and make powerpoints, still others will make crossword puzzles or word games. I've had some very good outcomes with this approach.
Use games in your classroom.
Give students a topic and take them to the library for 30 mins. to an hour for research and ask them to report back.
Ask them to bring in articles related to the topic for sharing.
I've used handprints and footprints made out of colored paper with each having a vocabulary word associated with the chapter. They chose one and explain how the word relates to the topic.
These are just a few ideas. NOW - why don't you share some ideas?
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED107 Facilitator
Hi Janine!
I believe you will find that using games in an anatomy and physiology class will be very exciting. Use your creative juices and allow students to do the same in designing games. The class will definitely learn and have fun at the same time!
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED107 Facilitator
