Fear of not knowing it all,
I am great at practical work. I would love to master theory and come up with new and innovative ways to deliver it. What research would you suggest that would improve the delivery of my theory instruction?
zack,
this is a great point. If you are stumbling & fumbling for the information this will not go well.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I also like to know the material in and out so I don't look unprepared. the more I know the less I fear the class.
The one thing that irks me the most is not knowing the material I teach. So I do what ever I can to learn as much as I can, this includes asking others how to deliver material in a different way. This gives me the confidence I need.
Find a good mentor where you work. Also courses like this one help.
This is great, we do this where I am at. Just wish we could do more of it.
Michelle,
I agree that your idea is the preferred method. If you are constrained by the materials, one idea would be to do the research & see what would you create & then align your ideas with what's provided. It will make your presentations even richer.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Our curriculum and power points are created for us. It takes time to review and find information to support these learning tools. Sometimes I feel that this structure is backwards. I prefer to research and learn the material and then create visuals and lecture notes.
I agree more experienced instructors often have great ideas and tidbits of wisdom. Have tried a few that the students were very resistant to but you never know unless you try.
I would have to agree that I also like the practical (hands-on) part of my subject I teach. It is hard for me with lecture. And if I don't know something that a student ask I try to write it down and get back to them on that to give them a better answer.
Lynne,
this is very true. And a big part of making this happen requires the full support & encouragement of our administration.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Peer evaluations are very important, but sadly, are often rushed and shortchanged, so provide a distorted view of how an instructor/facilitator actually conducts a class across time. It is just as important to adequately review a peer's work as it is to prepare for a new course. We need to ensure we honor one another's hard work and dedication and not just "check the boxes" for the accrediting body review.
Charles,
I enthusiastically endorse the idea of using peer evaluations & observations. When we observe others & have them share ideas we mutually get stronger & more capable.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
i look to some of my fellow instructors to search for new ways to deliver my material. doing this helps me keep my lectures interesting and also helps me present relevant material that the students will use in other courses at our school.
Online courses, the library or research always work best for me. I enjoy finding new information to bring into the classroom. depending on the experience level of your students they are a great source of information. Working in the field allows them to see problems and solutions pertinent to the class. Good luck.
If it were I, online courses would be the best and easiest approach. This way, while you might not initially master anything, you will have a great basis by which to build your mastery over time. As an culinary instructor who delivers both practical and historical instruction I believe that everyone knows a litte, no one knows everything and I try to express this to my students from the onset of class.
