Refocusing allows the instructor to regain perspective. It provides the opportunity to rejuvenate the class with encouragement and enthusiasm.
As a course progresses an instructor may find themselves and the students in a slump; students may be tiring of the course and not putting in effort and the instructor may not know how to rejuvenate them. As a result the instructor may find themselves tiring and not putting in as much effort as well.
It is important for an instructor to remind themselves of what has been accomplished and to refocus on future goals of the course.
REFOCUS is good for both the students and the professor. When students know the same thing will occur class after class, they will become bored and stop attending. Having an overall plan for the class keeps the course on track, but the instructor must include course related assignments that excite, surprise, and offer a sense of accomplishment for the students.
By teaching the same subject matter over and over again, it is almost human nature to become jaded about a subject that you are realy still enthusiatic about. Sometimes I try to see the wonders I am teaching, through the eyes of a student. This is easy for me because I teach a subject that is the prime passion in my life. Watching the light come on in a student's eyes is my paycheck.
I think it is human nature to lull ourselves into complacency--call it runner's slump. When that happens, we end up being stale and predictable. That encumbers the learning environment and in doing so we fail to produce a quality product, that product being students who exceed the expectations they may have set for themselves. By REFOCUSing, we bring out the best in ourselves and that in turn brings out the best in our students.
To keep the instructor from becoming bored
YOu're right, I'm very passionate about the subjects that I teach and use a lot of motiviational explanations when instructing. The students feel your passion and know if you enjoy what you're doing and have a tendency to feed from your emotions. Refocus is a great tool.
Getting your students up and moving every 20 minutes can be helpful in retaining excitment. Even if it is just to get a piece of paper it gets them energized to be up and moving.
I really like this idea. As a new instructor, it is valuable to get ideas like this to break up a longer course and allow some healthy competition and review.
Instructors must maintain their own sense of inspiration & motivation. Students get nourished from their teacher's enthusiam about the content. To help prevent "burn out" REFOCUS is a great tool.
Take time for yourself and reflect back on the problems and frustration that you had as a youth and then multipy by 10
Instructors can become burnt out on teaching so they need to take time to refocus and recharge themselves....
To make sure that i stay on track and students are comprehending the material.
Instructors need to occasially take time to "Refocus" themselves because they may know they may know the material but their student's may not understand the material. The instuctor may need to take a step back into the student's shoes to understanding the presented material. I like to play different types of games with the material to change it up a bit but the students are still learning.
Hi Daniel,
This is so true. I am teaching back to back session of three hours each of the same course. I have to work hard to be fresh in my approach not only because I have taught the course for many years but also because each class session is new to that group of students. I look for variety in delivery which really helps in keeping the class exciting.
Gary
After instructing the same information time after time the information and delivery can become rote. Much like driving to work. When you were young and just learning to drive the experience was exciting. Now you put the key in the ignition or push the button from muscle memory and often arrive at work without thinking about what you were doing. As an instructor we must constantly be thinking, excited, commited, and dedicated to bringing the excitement of learning to our students. Refocusing periodically on this aspect of our job will make us more effective.
Hi Scott,
Students like competition and challenges. By having the competition you did you got everyone involved, fired up and motivated about using their newly acquired knowledge and skills. Keep up the good work.
Gary
We are the sparkplug that the student needs to ignite the learning process. If we as instructors do not refocus,refresh and recharge we will not be firing on all cylinders. How can we expect the students to be if their instructor is not. Yesterday we had a group competition in lab to pep things up. I was shocked how many students came to me after class and thanked me, saying wow we really needed that
We are human, thus weget burnt out. Especially if you have multiple sections of the same class and it seems like you are repeating yourself over and over or answering the same questions. It is key to look at each post, assignment, question as a person behind the computer.
Refocusing helps me to not get stuck in a rut or the same old routine so to speak. Its neccasary to keep current and constantly improving on my material.
