Hi Cherin,
I agree with you big time. Instructors need to keep their courses fresh if they are going to really engage their students. I have taught for many years the same courses. Each course phase I introduce a new strategy, activity, case study or problem. It is fun to seek these out, prepare them and then introduce them to the class. This way my classes get better, I am excited and the students get the benefit of an improved course.
Gary
Hi Osiel,
Good point about the need for refocusing at times. Yes, we all need to it. I am a big believer in vacations as well. Stepping away from our work for some different activities really help us when we return to our chosen occupation.
Gary
Because if we, as instructors, are constantly doing the same things over and over, it shows to the students. We have to change it up to add excitement and then the srudents can feel that excitement.
To mix things up if needed in the classroom in order to be clearly delivering the course objectives and outcomes to the students. This will also help to re-engage the students.
The instructor must remain self aware that they may be slipping into a mundane sort of attitude, and just going thru the motions, as a result of repetition. They need to ensure they remain sharp and set a good example for the students. Don't you think many instructors are risking burn out by not pausing to refocus?
Instructors who are in their profession for a signifant amount of time tend to use the same material repeatedly. They not only learn the material like the back of their hands, but they fall into the "dull instruction" trap. If it's not exciting to them to teach it won't be exciting for students to learn.
Instructors need time to incorporate and rethink the amount of information they receive and process. Then, refocus is not a simple option, it is a valuable way to increase awareness of what we truly know and the effectives ways to transmit this knowledge to our students.
Fortunately, I teach 5 week sessions. Due to the short nature of the course, I don't usually experience slumps, which requires one to refocus. But, there is still a need to refocus in this short class environment. It gets easy for me to simply focus on the routine of the short classes. If I do focus on the routine of the class, then I marginalize the students. So, periodic refocusing on the students helps me be more effective as an instructor.
Hi John,
Good point about the need to "refocus" now and then. This way we maintain our edge and stay current just as you said.
Gary
In addition to the other points that have been raised, I think it important to "refocus" to ensure our information and teaching "tools" are current (ideally on the cutting edge) to demonstrate our relevancy.
Everyone needs time for reflection, just as we would look in the mirrow before stepping out to the world. Maybe something is not quite how you thought it was/should be, and by taking the time to recognize it then you can begin to take the steps to change it.
