Heather,
Good point for reflection because student failure can certainly be based upon a number of variables. Finding and fixing those variables is the key to teaching success.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
For me when my tests are being failed, I get really down on myself. I have to step back and decided if it is my teaching or the student's lack of studying.
Dorothy,
I teach six sections of the same course so I can really relate to your comments. Yes, we have to work to keep our interest up in courses we have taught before. I try to introduce something different in each course so I get excited as the students as to how the new assignment and/or activity is going to turn out.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Instructors need to RE-ENERGIZE. Refocusing allows instructors to look over the material that they may present over and over again to see how they can present it differently. A new presentation of the same material allows for a break in the monotony that may occur when teaching the same thing over and over again.
Paul,
Your last sentence really captures the essence of why we need to be life long learners. If we are to teach we have to constantly be expanding our knowledge base as well as our expertise.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Absolutely, The REFOCUS will allow and help us to see and rework our messages and gain more knowledge. The teacher must always be a student also.
Mike,
You make a key point with your comment about it being new to the students. It is easy to forget this point after we have taught a course several times. We need to keep our passion for the content high and bring enthusiasm for teaching each time we step into the classroom or lab.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Paul,
Through refocusing we can expand our knowledge of how to be even more effective with our instruction. It needs to be an ongoing process throughout our teaching career.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
As an instructor, it is easy to fall into a "routine" where the subject become repetitive each time you start a new class. What the instructor needs to keep in mind is that it may be repetitive for them, but it is new to the students and should be presented to them with the enthusiasm that every class before them has had.
We as instructors need to refocus because we need to realize that what we are doing is the best way that we can be doing what we are doing. If we do the same thing day in and out we get in a rut and potentially lose the excitement. If we lose it then the students will never have it. We could also be doing something that doesn’t quite hit the nail on the head in driving home the point cleanly.
Joanna,
I understand your comments completely because I find myself in the same situation ever so often. This session I am teaching six sections of the same course. To stay fresh and remember what class I have told what I am adding new activities and assignments. This way part of the course is new to me as well.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I find that after many mods I have found a routine I am comfortable with and yet I have become a little disenchanted with the subject matter. I can tell the class needs a little tweaking, however the routine is so comfortable I haven't changed it. This subject comes at a perfect time and I can tell I am in need of a little refocusing myself. I am realizing I need to change the class for my own variety to keep my enthusiasm up. I have noticed the students are still attentive but tend to mimic my enthusiasm. Thanks for the help in strategy, it helps to guide me as I initiate some healthy change.
Kevin,
So true and so important. It needs to be ongoing in order for us to keep our enthusiasm for what we do.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Kevin,
I am like you in that I like to hear from others in my field. I learn much and get my batteries recharged which makes me a better teacher as a well informed professional in my field.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Love that analogy! That moment of renewal and transfromation that we all need is important regardless of your occupation. It is important for us as humans.
I attend a lot of prossional meetings realted to my curiculum. I find hearing other speakers discuss material and a brief change of venue helps renew my enthusiasm. I enjoy sharing things I have learned with students and it helps create that bond of trust.I
David,
I have the same experiences when it comes to different classes. Currently I have six classes with four being right on in terms of wanting to learn and progress. The other two classes have students that really don't want to be in school and could care less about learning. I will say these two classes make for some interesting times as I have to work even harder to get them engaged and staying focused. Some days I and some day I don't.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I have semesters that are not bad at all, especially when I have students who want to learn.But when I have a semester with students that can't make it on time or at all it's difficult.I try to refocus each new semester when I have new students.
Arlene,
As you say refocus is so important. We can't let teaching the same course over and over become routine for us if we are to remain fresh in our delivery. I currently teach six sections of the same course so I have to work hard to make sure I give my maximum effort to each class. I make notes so I will know for sure what I have and haven't covered. Want to make sure that each class feels that the lectures and activities are targeted to them.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Sandy,
Good points about refocus. I hear you about the fatigue that occurs after teaching long session classes back to back to back. It is hard to regroup and be ready for the next session. I try to find a few minutes just to slow down and reflect on what I have just done and what I need to do next. These five minutes of quiet and restful time help me to recycle my thoughts and recharge my batteries.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
