Michael,
You make a good point. This is something I face because last session I taught six sections of the same course. I needed to and did work hard at make each section a bit different so my interest was high and I was excited at the same level in each section I taught.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Refocusing is very helpful in assessing our strengths as an instructor, releasing what didn't serve well in previous experiences or for the class, and in bringing attention to what we have learned. Clarifying the lesson plan by recognizing what you have accomplished with the students last week and what areas were a miss can help with this. After we refocus our big goals can be accomplished first and then fill the rest of the time with the other tasks.
Presenting the same material, in the same manner, of a period of time, can create complacency - which leads to loss of focus - which is to the detriment of the students - and ultimately, to the success of the entire course.
Accordingly, refocus is needed which may involve presenting the information in a new medium (from powerpoint to discussion) or can be instructor re-examination of the material from the point of view of the student, as insight is gained from questions asked and exam scores.
Claudia,
Yes, it is. This is how passion and enthusiasm can continue to be a part of each instructors delivery.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I completely agree with instructor refocus, it is refreshing for instructor and also student. Thank you for the lesson.
Michael,
Something we need to work to overcome. Last session I taught 6 sections of the same course. I had to do a lot of planning to make sure I was enthusiastic and passionate about the content I was sharing in each of the classes I taught. Would have been easy to drop into a rut and just pound out the material. This would not have been fair to the students nor to my profession.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Simply, we experience burnout frequently as a result of repetition of study/course objectives.
Joe,
Thank you for your good comments about how to help students reset their brains when they start to wear down in a course. With some effort the energy can be regained and the enthusiasm for the course will start to rise and the students will be able to get to the end of the course excited about what they have been learning.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Everyone, teacher and student can burn out or lose focus over the term. By stopping and reviewing the course, lectures, acheivements and failures, the instructor can identify imrovements, activities and techniques to re-energize the learning environment, the students enthusiasm and the instructors focus. The REFOCUS techniques discussed in the lesson offer a systymic process to look at teh course and refresh the learning environment.
Joe,
Well said. This is an important part of our professional growth and skill development.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Instructors are real people and like all people we usually have to step back and regroup our thoughts and skills to bring them back to par.
Marc,
We need to keep in mind that adults are just taller children. They like to recognized and celebrated when they have done something successfully in the course. My students love to earn candy by answering questions during review time. In fact they get very competitive since they want to earn that piece of candy so they can show everyone they have learned the answer to that question.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Taking time to "REFOCUS" as an instructor in order to be more effective with students is important to keep them energized. I have taught two different courses in our degree program and one general education course, and I started trying to encourage my students to reflect on their previous classroom experiences as I share with them this very issue. No matter what the course, I always see the "mid-term slump" and actively try to engage the students starting with the first day of class to be wary of slacking around mid-terms.
I speak with each of them individually around mid-term evaluations regardless of their grade----I spend time with EACH student. This allows personal attention for each student whether they have an "A" or an "F" to discuss their progress AND for them to share input with me directly on their perceptions of the course and of me as an instructor----likes & dislikes. This can be done anonymously or during individual conferences, and I have found students to be quite candid.
By addressing the concern of "mid-term blues" from the beginning, my students know they have an identified time-frame to focus on helping me recharge my batteries with their specific feedback, and this seems to help us all regroup for the final half. The rapport I develop with my students is key to getting them to feel their feedback is valued and important and also helps model the value of giving and receiving constructive criticism as it relates to the work-place, especially when they see some of their suggestions implemented. This really helps both me as an instructor to refresh and recharge and help my students to do the same.
Sharon,
Everyone, including instructors get worn down as a course progresses. By remembering to refocus we can keep our instruction fresh and our students engaged. I am like you I love starting new classes and feeling the energy the new crop of students brings to the class.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I like to celebrate the progress the students have made. This gives a sense of pride or areas to focus more attention to.
I really enjoyed the discussion on Refocusing. I love the start of term, and the energy students have during the first day of class. Often I need to "REFOCUS" my expectations after the first few weeks,and remember to celebrate the progress the students have made. I often do this through certificates around the midterm stage, for example, giving all students certificates of achievement in a particular topic we covered in class. This seems to really assist with the 'slumps'. After teaching the same class several times, I definitely need to do a refocus to keep course material exciting for both the students and myself!
Jennifer,
Sorry to hear of the tough session you just completed. These types of classes come our way ever so often and they really challenge us in terms of emotional and physical tolls. Hope your next session will have a group of students that really want to be in the course and that you have a lot of fun helping them learn.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
This is really hitting home with me right now. I have had a difficult class this last one I taught. They have continually "tested" me throughout the class periods and I feel worn out. It is definitely a need of instructors to take time to themselves and gather their reasons for teaching, especially after having classes like what I just had gone through.
Valerie,
I think this is a great way to ramp up their interest. You are reinforcing the material that has been covered in a different way and this increases their engagement.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I think when we review our teaching material, we can "spice it up" by adding new material such as pictures or anecdotes.
