By mid-term it's important to take a self-assessment of what I as an instructor have accomplished, where the students are in the course load, and if we are on track to finish everything that we set out to do. It's also a reality check for me in terms of pacing of the material and students' abilities to keep current with assignments.
I like to give my students a mini pre-mid-term evaluation of the class to get a sense of what might need to be adjusted to meet the students' needs/expectations.
I agree. By mid-term it's important to take a self-assessment of what we've accomplished, where the students are in the course load, and if we are on track to finish everything that we set out to do. It's also a reality check for me in terms of pacing of the material and student's ability to keep current with assignments. I like to give my students a mini mid-term evaluation of the class to get a sense of what might need to be adjusted to meet the students' needs.
As part of the REFOCUS process,I occassionally utilize a couple of classroom activities which require the students to be in the role of "instructor", i.e. small group discussion followed by presentation/review regarding an assigned specific component of the lesson, or an assignment which requires the students to create a quiz (with answers) covering a specific subject area. This requires the students understand the material from a different perspective and thus reinforces the learning process.
To get their thoughts together on how to continue class becasue each student may have a different learning style.
Hi Rosie,
What a great opportunity you have to escape a bit. For me here in Nebraska I can escape to a soybean or corn field, not as exciting as the beach. Though there is something about the sun peaking over a stalk of corn that is almost like the sun peaking over the horizon at the beach, then again maybe not.
Gary
If instructors do not attempt to stay fresh and excited about teaching, students will suffer. Luckily, I live in Florida, so I often escape to the beach for rest and recuperation. On my return, I am able to function again!
Hi Tammy,
My students really like them plus they are a lot of fun. Let me know how it turns out for you.
Gary
It helps me to REFOCUS, by finding an inspirational story about teaching and how that teacher went about it. Sometimes rewrite my personal goals and the goals I have for my class help me REFOCUS.
Hi Megan,
What are some strategies you can use to help you to REFOCUS when needed?
Gary
I loved this. I really apprecaited what I learned here and am going to use the simulated crisis. I cannot wait.
The instructors have to keep updating day by day about what is new, informative in the industry and keep taking classes regarding the profesion
I think instructor sometime get caught up in the day to day of teaching. That why it is important to refocuse.
When time is taken to REFOCUS, the instructor has taken an opportunity to "get grounded, and in turn can be more affective.
Instructors need to maintain a high energy level and not appear worn down in front of students.
I find at times I have to REFOCUS because we can sometimes get off track. Or sometimes students wont understand and we've already moved on.
It is easy to get worn down and feel the burn of a twelve week or sixteen week course. Instructors need to stay energized to maintain a high energy level in the classroom to help keep the students engaged. If the instructor is tired and projects his or her tiredness into the course, the students, in turn, will begin to follow the instructor's lead and feel run down as well. They will also forget that they were excited about the course at one point.
What I like to do is engage my students in interactive activities. I am fortunate in that I teach information technology. So in one class I might be taking apart a computer and in another I might be showing my students how to create a new video game. Being hands on brings the kid out in me and energizes both me and the students.
