Hi Dr. Meers,
I believe instructors need to occasionally REFOCUS so they don't become stale, bore, or stuck in a rut. It is so easy just to take a cookie cutter approach to teaching - the students might not know the difference, but to the instructor it gets old. I am will to bet that if an instructor has taught the same class for some time - their first time they taught the class they were more energetic, compared to the last time they taught the class.
Chad
Change is good. I think we all fall into that same old dull routine. Students change, times change, so does education. What once always worked, may not be today's solution. We need to stay on top of any new and innovative teaching concepts. It also helps our growth as educators.
H Lyn,
You are right on with your comments about taking time for yourself and your interests. Teaching can drain your emotional base if you don't take some time for yourself. Hobbies and personal growth are ways to help that. A strong family base where you can enjoy those that you love and love you will really help you to face the challenges of teaching. Then when you step into the classroom yo will be focused and ready to go because your emotional bucket is full and you are ready to share your expertise.
Gary
hi Gary and everyone, this is an interesting question. Although the forum topic is "keeping focus on your students," the lead question asks how an instructor might refocus him or herself.
As far as refocusing myself, I try to be a lifelong learner...attend workshops or seminars both in my field or to develop professional skills as an instuctor such as offered here.
But I think it is also good to refocus by spending downtime doing things I enjoy. It is important, I think, to have hobbies, spend time with family, stay active, but also "take time to smell the roses."
Helping to develop different aspects of me as a whole person may help me to better understand the many types of people in my class, and the competing priorities they have in their lives. Lyn
hi Ed, I agree with taking time to look at what went right. Good point!
It is important to correct and revise when things need improvement. But a pat on the back when things go well is also important...even if I have to reach around and do that myself!
Thanks for mentioning that. Lyn :-)
Hi David,
You make a really good point about the need for adjunct faculty to keep fresh like the full time faculty. It can be challenging just as you mention due to other life time challenges but the effort needs to be made to keep the excitement in teaching for the benefit of both the students and instructor.
Gary
Hi Jan,
This is a good idea for a number of reasons all of which really help to increase your expertise. I do the same thing and I look forward to the reading and research it takes to become familiar with the content of the course and get it ready to present.
Gary
Hi Jan,
You make a number of excellent points about how to keep the all important "edge" that we need to maintain as educators. By doing the things you listed you are not only giving back to your field but are also growing in your own professional development.
Gary
At the college I teach, most of us are adjunct faculty, so we're usually working full time jobs in addition to teaching on the side. It becomes very easy to fall into routines that may save time, but will become boring for students and hinder their learning process. By spending some time refocusing throughout the quarter, it will keep not only the instruction, but also the instructor, fresh.
To ensure that we are not becoming complacent and to reaffirm that we are keeping our students, and ourselves along the correct learning path.
It is easy to get use to one pattern and style of teaching. Students' needs and learning styles differ though every term, so it important to keep things varied and to change one's style. It is key to learn new ways to engage students and to create a good rapport with them.
If I have been teaching the same class for a long time, sometimes I will request a new class (even though it means more prep work for me!) just to get out of the rut of teaching the same class over and over again.
It is easy to become frustrated as an instructor as our class sizes are ballooning, our responsibilities are increasing and our pay is staying the same! :) Sometimes we need to take a step back and figure out what we need to do to motivate ourselves. For example, writing an article, presenting at a conference, writing a chapter for a text book or other professional development opportunities may be ways for us to stay motivated as instructors thus becoming more effective with out students.
The 15 week semester can be long to both the student and the teacher if the teacher does not look at ways to make the class fresh. If the class is interesting and fresh the students will not miss class and will retain the information at a higher rate.
REFOCUS keeps you and your subject fresh.
It is very easy to become complacent and lazy with your teaching style. By looking back at what you do frequently you can revitalize your teaching methods and always stay current and fresh.
Hi Carol,
You make a good point about keeping the ultimate goal of graduation and career success in the front of the minds of students. They get worn down at times and start to forget why they started to school in the first place.
Gary
Hi Carol,
I like it. Switch it up and keep the students engaged and excited about what is to come. This is what makes teaching fun for both the students and the instructor.
Gary
I believe students must be reminded of their career goals. Have them answer this question, "Why am I here?" We as instructors must challenge not only the subject area but also the emotional component. Motivation is key to success.
How true. It is very important to "switch it up." The element of surprise reawakens students. Most like the challenge of something different and will surprise you in their efforts. I have found the outcome to be positive.
