Instructor REFOCUS
Why do instructors need to occasionally take time and "REFOCUS" themselves in order to be more effective with their students?
I often try different methods such as having student come up to the blackboard and post information relevant to the topic. Often breaking into groups is very helpful and then having one member from each group give a short presentation on their material creates an interesting learning environment. Often times bringing the students to the school library and using resources in the library is a way to change up from the traditional lecture format to another format.
I agree, if I feel the class is losing interest or is tired, I will try and change up the format from lecture to group interaction. Sometimes splitting up the class or doing a quick in class project can add interest and excitement to the material. The students often like to work in groups and this can be very beneficial to the classroom dynamic.
I feel that Instructors need to be excited and motivated to achive the most with their students. If the instructor is not excited about the class and the material then it is hard for the students to be motivated. Instructors also have to be sure to have a good command of the material they are presenting.
I think refocusing is a good way to keep things fresh and engaging. It keeps the energy going and continues the positive rapport.
Teachers need to occasionally take time to Refocus, because in every aspect of life "refocus" is essential. For me, taking time to reevaluate my course's effectiveness as well as incorporating new content is imperative. Having my student's attention is imperative so REFOCUS is as well.
It is very important for instructors to refocus themselves in order to gain more energy and enthusiam with teaching. Students know when an instructor is burnt out and they will feel like they aren't getting what they are paying for. I an an instructor want my students to love the subject as much as I do. If I'm energetic and ready to go, it is my hope that they will get excited as well.
For some reason there has been low attendance on field trips. A relevant movie or other video for discussion or followed by a short paper has worked. A guest speaker has also proven to be a good tool
To ensure that they are providing quality instruction and can give students the best value for their educational experience.
Instructors need to take time out to "refocus" themselves so that they can get excited about teaching again, because when the instructor is excited and enthusiastic it engages the students and they become excited and engaged as well.
Brenda
I always enjoyed hearing a story from all of the teachers I have had. I feel it's a great way to give a mental break from the daily learning routine.
As instructors we become caught up in our dailt routines. We need to become excited about learning again and need to refous
As instructors we can get bogged down in the day to day operations. Our attitudes and to some extent emotions are often unintentionally displayed to students during class time.
Refocusing will enable us to remain refreshed
Each class of students is made up of a group of unique individuals with varied learning needs and challenges. Sometimes what works well in the first term of our nursing program does not work well at the midpoint, as the work is much more demanding. The refocus idea is great for fatigued and discouraged groups and their frustrated faculty members. Focusing the students on how much they already know and how far their skills have grown is beneficial for both students and staff.
James,
This is a good point in terms of relating to students. We need to continue seeing our instruction through the eyes of our students so we can target our instructional delivery more accurately.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
While we have been in our student's seats at some point in our lives, seeing what they go through and having them push back on assignments can wear down on instructors. I typically find myself falling into the "Will this semester ever be over?" mindset with classes that don't share my enthusiasm.
One of the most effective ways that I have been able to refocus myself and snap the students out of their slump is to find some relevant and current news article that pertains to what we are covering in class and as a class we review and debate the different points of view.
Edward,
It is fun to see students ramp back up and get excited as they complete the rest of a course session. They do wear down and we need to be there to get them engaged again as well refocusing ourselves when we wear down part way through the course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I have experienced the process of refocus before. I agree with the fact that sometimes things go flat because everyday life of the students and yourself as the instructor distract from your teaching a subject that is needed as a skill but is not very exciting.That is when you have to refocus or refresh your ideas or motovation.
Thinking outside of the box with new , original ideas and projects excites students. Teachers re-engage with themselves in new learning ideas and techniques, makes the classroom alive and more functional for an excelling student population. Fresh ideas and attitudes are necessary periodically.
Simply,to avoid "burnout", Instructors need to "stay fresh", stay excited, stay interested, stay engaged, ect..
JH
