Saroj,
Instruction is an never ending process. Each course requires a review to make sure the content current and accurate. The sign of a dedicated instructor is that he/she is a life long learner.Gary
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
First we need to realize why we're here. Hopefully its not just a job, but if we don't take time to refocus it can become that way and we become stagnant in our teaching and loose that real concern for our students and their needs.I get a real satisfaction in teaching and watching the students pride and knowledge grow and on the last day when they come up to me and say thank you it makes it more than just a job.
It is important to refocus so students can benefit more. Some basic materials are same but each time I start a new mode I see that I add some recent facts on that subject.
Saroj Patel
Ronnie,
Opportunities like this need to be taken so you can continue to share with your students information that is current and relevant to the field.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Because of changes in the industy, I try to go back in the field that I teach if not but for a few days. If you stay in your school and never get back out there you may forget what it's like.
I think instructors need to do this constantly to change their instructional method so they can keep students engaged in the course subject. I do this by keeping up to date with changes in our industry. Doing this shows students that learning never ends and it also shows them how enthusiatic you are about the course you teach.
Ron,
I use this method a lot in my classes with very good results. I think you will like the outcome of using this strategy.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I liked the idea of using 3x5 cards so students can write down one topic that they learned or was important to them.I think it could open a good discussion.
Just through the daily grind we get tired, add to that poor test scores or poor lab performance, and it start making for a downward spiral. when we as instructors start second guessing our every teaching moment we need to stop and recharge. By regaining our focus we become much more effective. Students will sense our see our loss of focus and will follow right along with us.
Alejandro,
Well said. We need to bring our excitement and A game to class each time it meets.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
"Your students will appreciate knowing that you and they are on the same learning path. You have just proceeded farther than your students."
That quote from the previous material really struck me. I know that I periodically get frustrated with students and begin to feel more and more drained because of that. I have to stop and try to rekindle that joy that I used to have in helping guide students down their path. It's easy for both you and your students to get "stuck in a rut". You need to remind them (and yourself) that since there really isn't a finish line on the path, we need to look at the milestones.
The greatest boost for me is always when you hear from a previous student about their success after graduation. There is nothing like that to help you refocus and remember that it's not just about earning a paycheck. You really are touching people's lives.
Is very important to pause and refresh our teaching style and mode to avoid falling into monotony and not show that to our students. Always show enerjetizados and optimistic.
Sometimes class discussions take you off on a tangent. Refocusing on the subject at hand is essential to get through the lesson plan. Distractions can sometimes hurt the learning process.
Edward- This is so true. I teach dental assisting and there have been many changes in the law over the last couple of years. I really need to stay on top of this to ensure i am giving the most current information out there. As an example,I recently had to learn the new changes to the 'law and ethics' portion of the law. I was very motivated about learning the new laws and having to incoroerate it into my lesson plan. As I relayed the information to the students they seemed very interested and eagar to learn it. So yes, I did need to refocus (which was a little out of my comfort zone) but I found it very satisfying.
Linda,
I am a big user of case studies in my classes. They really help to get the students involved in using their critical thinking and problem solving skills. Thanks for reminding us of their value.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I attempt to stay as current in my field as I can by reading the Trade mags, but also I listen to the news both TV and radio everyday to return with currents topics which we then discuss. I use alot of case studies (from my own field or others) to illustrate that certain events really can happen in real life. It revitalizes a class and can provide a different perspective for me also.
If you become bored or burned out with the topic, your delivery will be boring as well. This will have a negative impact on the class as a whole.
we can never have the mind set of we are done learning ourselves, by learning more it gives us new material and new ways to teach.
Sandra,
I like your example of the "Wheels on the bus go round and round." Hadn't thought of it in those terms but teaching the same course over and over can become much like the song. I try something new in terms of an assignment, activity or content each time I teach a course to keep my own excitement level up. I'm not sure how the new element is going to work so I am excited to see it unfold and get the student feedback. This makes the course fun for me and helps me retain my focus.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
We become used to the course and eventually fall into the "Wheels on the bus go round and round" syndrome... Often enough subject matter becomes second nature to instructors. In order to revive your course content you must refocus your presentation and delivery. If you are monotonous then your students will perceive your class as being monotone and boring. Their attention will dwindle and lose interest in what you are teaching.
