I really like this techniques. I am actualy going to apply it ove Thanksgiving break and get invigorated to finish the term with full steam!
I agree with others here, that occasionally we need to recharge our batteries. It's easy to become stale and complacent.
Instructors need to occasionally take time and "REFOCUS" themselves in order to be more effective with their students will help with retention. It will help not only the students but the instructor to keep focused on the reasons they are in the classroom.
Teaching the same thing day in and day out gets mondane
To gain students enthusiasm about the course
Refocusing is very important. Every six weeks i set a goal in refocus.
Heather,
Thank you for the list and your fresh approach to a balanced life. It is so easy to let work over take us to the neglect of those that we love and spend the most time with. I live on a ranch where we raise mules and I host B-B-Ques. I an always seeking a better flavor in my smoked meats so I am constantly mixing up new rubs, sauces, and mops in search of the perfect flavor. The reason I mention this is your listing of the gourmet meal for your family. My ideal gourmet meal is a perfectly seasoned and well smoked plate of ribs, pork and beans, creamy slaw and cat head biscuits with wild honey. Now that is some serious eaten.
I wish you continued success in your teaching and wonderful times in the enjoyment of your family.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Julia,
So true in terms of settling into a routine of teaching the same content over and over without thinking as much about the current crop of students that are enrolled. We need to keep ourselves and our content fresh and relevant. When we do we will keep our passion for teaching high as well.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Dr Meers and class, I really enjoyed the section titled "Recognize, Empower, Focus". All to often we are caught up in completing our task list and focusing on how fast we can complete these tasks. It is so easy to forget what we've accomplished in the past, and more importantly what our students have accomplished. I'm going to challenge all of us to list our "five greatest personal achievements in the past year". I'll start (and this wasn't easy):
- Attended a live seminar to gain business, money and relationship advise.
- Committed to being present in the moment with my children (not working when I am with them).
- Took a week long vacation with my family.
- Completed a professional development course.
- Cooked a gourmet meal for my husband and children.
It is easy to forget.. after years of teaching the same subjects. Refocusing help you remember your commitment and passion to teaching
Bart,
Yes it will. There needs to be an ongoing effort to check for understanding so both students and you know what the status of the course is and how they fit into the learning sequence.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
During a course instructors need to be mindful of how the course and the students within the course are progressing. As in any project the focus of the course can tend to drift or become stagnant. It is the instructors responsibility to provide the best educational experience possible for the students. taking time to insure the students and the instructor are on"track" will assist the students in retaining the content.
AMANDA,
This is such an effective and simple method to use. Just used it this afternoon and had great discussion sessions throughout the class as the students worked in their groups.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
The course content gave me the great idea of the index cards for the students to write all they have learned. Great way to reinforce they are spending money to gain skills and knowledge not just throwing it away.
Michael,
Good point about taking a few deep breaths and letting the mind settle a bit. It is amazing how much a brisk walk down the hall between classes can do to clear the brain of fog and get you ready for the next class.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Yes I agree!! Even if it just a few deep breaths between classes, clearing out some of that negative "energy" is helpful to giving 100% everyday.
Emily,
Like the way you have analyzed how we need to approach the classroom after teaching for a while. We need to be realistic as we prepare content for our courses. By bringing in new activities we can remain fresh and also reflect on how we are doing our professional best to share content. It becomes the students' responsibility to work hard and practice self discipline to be successful.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I think when we as instructors have been teaching for several years, we can begin to fall in to routines, patterns, habits, etc. Some of those can be great and can help us to be very efficient and a good instructor, others can cause us to be pessimistic and view the course and students in a negative light. If we try to unburden ourselves of unrealistic expectations, remember why we are teaching, empower ourselves with content and knowledge, recognize the great things we have done in the past and try to refocus our attention on helping our students I think that will do amazing things to making our teaching experience as great as it can be for us and the students.
Gregrey,
Yes, it does. It keeps us fresh and excited about coming to class even if we have taught the same class for a long time.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Refocusing also keeps you from getting stuck in a rut and to adapt to the differant class dynamics. Which helps you keep your inthusiasm up at a higher level to help keep everyone motivated
