Sometimes as instructors we are learning just as much about the material as the student's. We are learners too.
This is a very difficult task to achieve, yet we try to balance the three. In healthcare for example, the need for continuing education is paramount to client safety. One must keep abreast of current medical advances, technological innovations, and regulatory and accrediting requirements. As facilitators, we need to educate ourselves with evidence-based practices in teaching and learning. The constraints we have is classroom time. I for example, values the importance of student feedbacks/evaluations on how a particular style of teaching affects student's learning. I then make changes to the topics as well as delivery strategies for the next cohort.
I have a profound interest in what I am teaching. I still work in the field that I teach therefore I can always relay to the students different siuations that can and will happen in their chosen field. At that time, the student encounters an Aha moment.Because I am still in the field I have access to information that keeps me current on different topics and technology. I too have learned from different instructors as well as the different education courses which has also helped me to develop my teaching and training skilss in order to improve my facilitatoe role.I also use a variety of teaching methods in my classroom because of the diversity in my classroom.
Heidi,
yes, some of our fields force us into this & it also provides a great way to keep our classes fresh & exciting.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
My field is constantly changing and evolving. Almost everyday there is something new or being researched. I have a continuous flow of information available to me of which I share with my students and they in turn share with me. They now bring new info to me and ask if I have seen or heard about it. It brings on great discussions and how it will effect what we do and our patients.
I observe other instructor while they teach, in order to pick up a few ideas or tricks to use in my claasroom or lab. We also have bi-monthly program discussion meetings to share ideas & to stay current on the trends in our field.
I am an istructor at a technical institute. Technology changes every year, in order to be able to affectivly help my students I have to stay up on those new improvments. After learning new matirial I have to find new ways of communicating that information, talking to other instructors is a great help in doing this.
Hi Dr. Meers,
I'm still searching for that balance because teaching in health care demands continuous research and continuing education. For me, keeping up with the multiple options for lesson delivery tends not to be as difficult than staying up to date with the latest technology advances in medical equipment within my field.
The field of medicine (or any field actually) is constantly growing and changing. If one does not learn more then you will fall behind. I like reading journals and talking with other teachers to gain new insights.
Yes, I believe it is easier to stay current in a health care field because there are so many opportunities for continuing education. Accreditation also dictates high standards of current educational methodology, as another motivation.
Sheila,
many career fields dictate that we stay up to date on content & I'm glad to see you also stay abreast of educational methods.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Tony,
yes, I have found this to be true & I find myself thinking of many ways to implement new information.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Working directly in the clinical setting with patients it is critical I stay abreast of current pharmacology and techniques, however, I balance this with finding ways to reach each of my diverse learners.
I have found that as I am learning new information I am also getting new ideas of how to present the material to a class
Eric,
these are some of the best ways to ensure that we are still learning & growing. The education is valuable & when there is the connection to the actual field it's even more valuable.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I am always trying to stay involved in extracurricular activities for myself, through certifications, competitions, meetings, and conferences related to my industry. Many opportunities are fun and exciting for not just myself, but perk the interests of many of my students.
I also enjoy taking students to places and events related to our topics so that we can all benefit from someone else's experience, such as guest speakers or industry-related field trips.
Continuing education is imbedded in my profession from the time we are students which really helps. Being committed to life-long learning from day 1 sets the stage. Now, my learning has shifted to include information from a variety of sources on facilitating learning and the various methods for doing that. Since sharing new learning is already imbedded in the culture of my profession, it remains exciting to me to share new information to others. It is a natural process to me. Getting to that point, I imagine, for those where the culture of education is not imbedded from day one may have difficulty with the concept. The main point of all this is to be excitied to share new knowledge each and every time you learn something new.
Tammy,
the continuing ed courses & programs are a great way to learn from others & share ideas.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I am required to obtain 32 CME credits for my licensure and in doing so I am able to attend seminars. This opportunity has always been very exciting because it allows me to keep abreast of new technology in my field. I try to incorporate any new topics of discussion into each class that the new knowledge applies to.
Shantel,
all of these are great strategies for ongoing professional development. I think one of the keys is recognizing I can never know it all, but I have a lot of fun in trying to learn as much as I can.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
