Things I have learned
Things I have learned while teaching is it is ok to admit your mistake and go on from there. I look at it as a learning experience and it is not the end of the world. I have found in my presentation assignment I give to my students in my last term that I did not make myself specific. I think in this next term I plan on having a check list so that students know more what is expected of them for the assignment.
Hi Virginia,
At least you open to learn. I am sure your students are very understanding, and you can learn a lot from them about computers.
Patricia
To add to this---my statement is "Google this and bring it back to class next time." I do this as well and the students are impressed because I am of an age that did not have computers, etc. As a matter of fact, I taught elementary school over 30 years ago and as my students have been informed, computers wern't invented yet.
I have learded that most new insructor feel very unprepared for teahcing their class and that the path of preparation I have been doing is paramount to being an effective lecturer in the real forum.
Hi Joseph,
Nice response! Time is of the essence. Move forward when an answer is unknown, admit to not knowing, and get back with the students at the next class meeting with the answer.
Patricia
Very good point about remembering to follow up. It's difficult to have the answers for every scenario and every possibility, so the best action is sometimes to say, 'I've never encountered that, but it is a possibility, let me get back to you as soon as I can.' Then, make sure you get the response back in a timely manner. Also important is not to spend class time looking for one obscure answer, best to move on and revisit it.
Thank you Patricia! I will most certainly do that. I found the on-line class to be very interesting and fun!
I have also learned if you dont know or have the answer- make a note, tell the class you will find out the answer, research it and share what you found with the class the following week. They need to learn - especially in medical, if you dont know something, its better to admit it than to do something unprofessional or put patient at risk. You are also showing them the importance of follow up- doing what you say, saying what you do!
Hi Kathleen,
You have a lot to share with your students. It is obvious you know the nursing side of medical. Your students are fortunate to be learning from someone who has years of experience in the medical arena. Students have a great interest in hearing stories that are applicable to the lesson.
Patricia
Hi Rick,
Every opportunity you get pick a seasoned instructor's brain for better teaching tips and how to deal with various scenarios.
Patricia
Thank you for sharing your story. I enjoyed reading about it. I am excited about my new teaching career and learning about others.
It was about a year ago that I took a position teaching patient care technician classes at a local secondary education site. I am a nurse by profession but I always wanted to teach LPN classes or something similar. I have always enjoyed learning and my past experiences as a student also helped prepare me for my first class that I had taught. Drawing on personal experiences that I had as a student myself, as well as my nursing career, has greatly influenced me to introduce my medical experience to the students. Several of the students in my classes want to go on to be nurses or retain some type of employment in the medical field. Even though I have had large classes, I really have been respected as a teacher and professionl by ostly every student in the class. Students love to hear exciting stories about my experiences that I have had as a nurse. Some students are even more encouraged to want to set their goals on getting into nursing school, a university, or even just to become a PCT. Stories of my experiences have gotten the students more interested in the medical field.When teaching a topic in class I often try to incorporate some experiences that I have had that can relate to the topic of the day. The students are more attentive in class and they ask loads of questions.I often leave at the end of the day reflecting on how my my class went that day. It is a good feeling to know that I have inspired others, as well as received respect as an instructor.
teaching is always a great experience. the teacher learns herself as she revised the subject. practice makes you perfect as well.
Hi Rick,
We get better with time. As instructors we have to take heed to our students evaluations and our own evaluations and make necessary adjustments to become even more effective.
Patricia
