When I first started
I definitely found that being open to students suggestions has helped make me a better instructor. It has allowed me to understand the subject matter from the point of view of the student.
Agreed. I have students from many different professions, lifestyles, and family backgrounds and being open to them has allowed the class to benefit from the diversity!
Hi Adele,
I use a similar method of soliciting feedback and have had good results with it so I know what you are talking about. This feedback can help you to adjust and modify what you are doing to keep your instruction targeted to your students.
Gary
One effective way I've found to deal with student suggestions (or maybe complaints?) is to ask them, in written form, weekly: "What more can be done inside or outside the classroom to help you meet your goals?" It challenges the student to look at what's going on in their out-of-school environment that might be affecting their performance, but also gives them a chance to give feedback on what's going on inside the classroom that is working or not working. I've gotten some useful ideas this way, too.
Hi Teasha,
This is something that most all of us could echo. Teaching experience really helps you to understand how much you don't know and how much you need to know to become the instructional delivery expert that you want to be.
Gary
that was something I had to learn in the beginning. I was very open and inviting to my students but definatly had a bit of an ego.I thought I was an "expert" since I had 4 years of experience. Boy did I have alot to learn!
Teasha Elder
