Hi David,
I like the way you express the need for recharging our batteries at times as instructors. The "food" is better when seasoned with effort and preparation plus excitement. This results in more engagement on the part of students.
Gary
We all tend to burn out and lose our edge. We need to stop and REFOCUS so we can get recharged and excited to be teaching and have the passion to teach. Kind of like adding seasoning to food that is becoming bland so it is more flavorful.
Hi Nancy,
Great plan for keeping the excitement up and refocused. Thanks for sharing.
Gary
As the course progresses, that old enthusiasm may wane, both on the part of the students and the Instructor. Reality has set in - maybe the couse work is more difficult than anticipated, maybe students get bored, or tired, and maybe it's just the mental strain of too much work accumulating from all the courses the students are taking. At these times, it's important for Instructors to realize all they have already accomplished in their class, and how much learning has already occurred. Just as students need to be rewarded, so do Instructors. We should reward ourselves with replaying all we have already done, in order to recharge our batteries.
In performing our professional duties we often get tired and fall into a rut (what one person wryly defined as a coffin with the ends kicked out). That staleness is reflected in our performance and adversely affects our clients, namely our students. When we take the time to sharpen the ax, we are re-energized and ready to tackle our duties with more spirit and confidence. We win, and more importantly so do our students.
In a chaotic environment like a Culinary Classroom, showing the students that you are focused and ready to go when doing a cooking demonstration. Taking time before the students arrive to take a deep breath is a good way that I Refocus
Often time I teach the same course over and over and I get stuck in rut doing the same presentation. It’s good to refocus every now and then, it will give me a chance to reassess the classroom dynamic and see if the teaching style I have employ over time is still working. And by adding a twist or jolt in the midstream of the course (another creative way to present new materials) not only wake up the no participating students in the background but it also helps me grow as an instructor.
It keeps instructors from burning out. Especially when instructors find themselves questioning the worth of their work, it can be good to take a step back and remember their plans for the course. If those plans are not proceeding as planned, they need to explore the reason. In particular, it is necessary to think about the students, their interests, and their needs to get the education that they want.
Hi Christine! Thanks so much for your comments! I am glad that ED102 was helpful. I know that as a seasoned instructor who has taught the same subject areas repetitively, the REFOCUS process has been helpful to me as well. I also have found that the level of success is different for each individual student and might vary from my own perception of success.
Jay Hollowell
MaxKnowledge
Hi Russell,
Well said. The key is as you mention to have a number of different approaches available so you can make adjustments when needed.
Gary
Hi Christine,
Thank you for the kind words about the unit. We, as instructors have to REFOCUS at times or we will deplete ourselves emotionally to the point we are of no value to our students or ourselves.
Keep your vision of how much progress has been made and you will be able to inspire your students as well.
Gary
There are many categories used in delivering the course content so the more you feel focused and comfortable your chances of being successful increase. When you are able to have this as a tool you can become a stronger instructor while recognizing when a change in approach might be necessary.It is also a multi-dimensonal guide to staying focused and on track.
This unit was particularly helpful to me. I am at the end of a semester now and it is so true...I'm as worn out trying to stay excited as the students are :) By using the techniques given in the REFOCUS strategy, I can stop fretting over low quiz scores and start celebrating about improved writing skills (which is the focus of the course). I honestly didn't realize I go through this rollercoaster each semester...again...this unit has been a huge eye opener.
Because it helps them stay motivated and focused on the class.
As an instructor who sometimes will teach the same class several times in a row, I find that the students have heard from others who have taken the class prior to them, many of my "tricks" that I like to incorporate in my lessons. In addition to that, I sometimes feel like I get bored with the material and therefore may pass on my lack of enthusiasm to my students. I may compare one classes work versus another classes work, and if one doesn't measure-up, I feel like I was lacking as an instructor and didn't do my job to the best of my ability. By taking the time the "REFOCUS" I can take a step back, re-evaluate my teaching style, assess what my students have accomplished during class thus far, and come-up with some new "tricks" to get me motivated, and then in turn, my students. I re-charge my batteries and enjoy seeing the accomplishments of the students.
so they can relate to each students needs. All have different backgrounds and needs.
Hi Susan,
The key is stopping to reflect on what you are teaching and you are doing that. This is what will help you to keep fresh and excited about your work. Great job!
Gary
Hi Julia,
These are all great ways of expanding your professional expertise and instructional abilities. Your students will continue to benefit from your growth.
Gary
Sometimes I get into such a routine that I take the material I am covering for granted. I need to stop and remember that many of these students are experiencing this information for the first time and I need to keep it exciting!
I feel it is important to take time to refocus and develop your skills so you can tune into new techniques and information. Sometimes it involves other instructors getting together to learn more about a technique or process. It makes for interesting conversation and lets the student know you are in touch with up to date info and techniques.
