LaToya,
I agree with this as the more I teach a course or subject the more I learn about that particular area & therefore the better instructor I become.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
beverly,
there really are many ways we can improve ourselves as instructors & professionals.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Refershing with this course was a great way for me to learn how to develop new ways to teach in the classroom.
I learn new things about what I teach as I go, not only from myself but from the students as well. I always let my students know that they are not the only ones learning in class and that makes them feel more comfortable in the class. Each day in class I learn something new from a student that I can carry over to the next class.
Brant,
these type of sessions, whether formal or informal, really are a great way to improve our craft.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I balance the need to learn and the need to develop new ways by teaching myself the topic from the student's point of view. I also spend time searching journals and such for points of knowledge. Sometimes I find that my fellow instructors have a similar struggle and they will share how they taught a particular topic. I am always open to learning especially when it comes to something I can share with others.
As a class project we look at what trends are in the market place now. We then talk about how we can make that garment. There are always many different ideas from the students themselves as well as fellow instructors. It becomes a challenge!
I tend to peer with other instructors and brain storm about ways of improving and developing new ways of teaching.
benny,
our fellow instructors are a great way to grow & develop in our fields as we listen to them & learn from their experience & they learn from ours.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
As a culinary instructor i always talk to other instructors about the food, the recipes and how we can tweak the recipe for the better. I also listen to students of ethnic decent when regarding international cuisine. The have eaten the food all their life the can also give me some insite on a dish.
Sheila,
this is a great plan. I think we too often overlook that preparation part & reviewing our own notes, materials, etc as a way of staying fresh.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I constantly read the material before class and spend at least as much time preparing for a class as I do teaching it. Whether it is researching on the internet or reading the latest research journals, you have to constantly be preparing for class. I also balance that with working on continueing ed on how to present the material best to the students. I frequently discuss teaching techniques with co-teachers as to what is working best for them with a particular group of students.
Kevin,
these are great strategies for staying current. We too often overlook our peers as great resources for learning.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Joe,
yes, the instructor must maintain a good communication channel with each student.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
As an adjunct professor I constantly try to read and stay up with the the latest in our field. I also meet with the lead program instructor and other more seasoned facilitators to discuss different ways they do things and it also allows for some fresh ideas that I may not have thought of.
I fine that as a teacher it is very important to have interraction in the class room with the student, all imformant comeing from a student is valueable not only to you but to the other students an well,some times you can listen an learn as well. Good(communication)is a good key becomeing a good Facilitator.
Learning new things about the topics I teach is easy as I am endlessly fascinated by food and cooking (I am a culinary instructor). The challenge has been to learn how to be a better teacher. I have found that co-teaching a class with a peer to be an incredibly helpful tool. I love watching how someone else interacts and manages their time with the students.
chris,
I love your example of researching a method to help a struggling student. I'm sure this will help other students in the future as well.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I stay very immersed in the food community through social media, networking, conferences, volunteering and eating out. This keeps me current on trends and what the Chefs are saying about the topics I am teaching. I will talk with other Chefs and get ideas for case studies to bring back to my class so they have current real life studies to work with.
I spend a lot of time doing both. I recently researched a new method of memorizing from the internet and put this into place with a student who is struggling. I am anxious to see how this technique works for the student. As far as content about the topics I teach, I am constantly updating my knowledge of the field and delve deeper to enhance my knowledge which I can then bring to the class. In addition, when questioned about something I am not clear on, I have no problem saying "I don't know, and I will find the answer and get back to you".
