Q. How do you balance the need to learn more about the topics you teach with your need to develop new ways of teaching and your classroom time?
A. Fortunately, for me the two topics are intimately intertwined. When I see patients, I need to explain their condition, and or proposed treatment, to them in a way that they can understand.
In any given practice, one is likely to be dealing with patients that have a high level of diversity with regard to their cognitive levels. Transferring the experiences that I have had in patient education to my instructional approaches in the classroom is a relatively effortless and natural activity.
The action in either of these areas facilitates my performance in the other. New approaches to teaching and treatment arise from work in both. I learn more about my subject area by actively working in it, and more about new ways of teaching via the education of my patients.
Dr. Jonathan French
Debra,
great synopsis of your take aways, & thank you for providing even more ideas.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Angela,
great methods to staying current in the field. I think this also shows that we don't have to "run" with every new idea, but making sure that we note the new ideas in the field & help our students evaluate them through proven methods.
Dr. Ryan Meers
The process is iterative. Not sure I can exactly quantify the portions of what needs to be "learned" and what needs to be developed other than to say it is a 1:1 ratio. As I open my course with the stated course objectives, the profile of the students (their career programs), their personal backgrounds and preferred leanring styles have significant influence on discussion topics, methods and how the work is structured.
What I learned from the ED 107 course was that I can maximize the learning environment by using color, visualization and sound. It seems the world we live in is so techno-saturated with multiple messages, effective learning has to be packaged in a similar format.
So in thinking about your question, it seems that classroom time gives me a framework for the students to use for a complete view of subject matter - lecture, activity, review and implementation, to have sufficient exposure to a topic to absorb new information.
By keeping updated to the topics, providing news items that relate to the topics being discussed. It makes new/abstract items 'real' and relatable to my students.
I personally balace the need about the topics that is taught based on what is currently being used in the profession. some of the ways I develope on teaching is providing visual instruction and key topics are stressed as top priorities with emphasis.
Roberto,
very well said & I completely agree. I don't think we can overlook the need to further develop in either area.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I think it is important to balance both things because they are both going to make learning easier for the students. Not only do you have to know the material and keep up with what's new but you also have to try to use new teaching techniques that are out there to get through to the students. Someone can be a great technician in their field but without the proper teaching tools, they may not be able to help students learn the information needed to be successful in their field.
peggy,
great example of learning in the moment. I'd encourage you to do some reflection on these so you keep track of what works & what didn't.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Michele,
exactly right. This is a great reason for us to continue to learn ourselves, for our benefit as well as for our students.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Not everyone learns the same so on an as needed basis I find myself trying different methods to help someone learn. Creativity and patience for me is the key.
Thank you Dr. Meers! I appreciate that comment! Whenever I see information that is relevant to the class I teach, I introduce it to the class. If I want my students to be fully aware of their world and what is happening in it, I must lead by example.
Also, when we allow ourselves to grow as facilitators, our students benefit from our knowledge especially if it current...we keep our students onthe cutting edge which will be to their full advantage.
Michele
as you point out if we are not current in our field our students know this & it will hurt our credibility.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Michele,
you demonstrate a vital skill in teacher/learners; the ability to take that information instantly & think about its application.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I agree Dr. Meers! Students are aware of the latest trends so keeping current shows that we as instructors are keeping with the times and making it relevant!
I use this technique also and during our discussions I find is the most appropriate way to introduce new material. Keeping current is one way to be credible to students.
I do so simultaneously. As I research more information, I immediately decide how to incorporate it into my classroom.
I do so simultaneously. As I research more information, I immediately decide how to incorporate it into my classroom.
I teach class year round so time management is key for training.In house or online is easy to accomadate but outside courses require coverage which can be challenging but without yearly updates you can not expect to grow as an instructor
