I think it is important to be a constant learner and keep up with the most current information on the topics which one is teaching. A good way to do this is to freshen up power points periodically so the "teacher" becomes a "learner" while exploring new information to present to the students.
serena, you have identified what I enjoy most about teaching. Seeing things through a new set of perspectives, allows you to understand more deeply the content, and renew your enthusiasm for it.
Michele Deck
I teach the same classes. I need to be a "learner" so that the material will still be fresh and exciting to me. I just finished a lecture this AM in which my eye caught two important details I have missed in the past. I got so excited about seeing that "new" old material in a fresh way. Also my courses do get updated periodically so I need to stay current with those changes so I am not sharing false, outdated information. Serena
Melissa, being a listener and a facilitator are two very important roles of he instrutcor.
Michele Deck
It provides a new perspective on the teaching methods. You end up looking at your teaching style from someone else's point of view. Students tend to know how they learn best - and I find that when I listen to their suggestions they feel more involved and motivated.
erin, it is good to be aware of your styles of learning. It is good to recognize what works for your learners also.
Michele Deck
I would want to be a learner in my own class because I do alot of activities! They may not always work the way I had envisioned but they are always fun. I am a very visual and kinesthetic learner so acting out information or art projects would totally engage me.
Jennifer , it is possible to learn different techniques to accomplish the same job. Some of the best innovations come from peers sharing approaches with each other.
Michele Deck
Paulie, seeing the lightbulb come on males teaching worth all the trouble and is a reward in itself to us.
Michele Deck
I feel that it is important because content changes daily. And Even though we are teaching the class it gives us a good chance to learn new things that have changed. In the meidcal field I find myself learning everyday because of technology. And also because when you interact with other people they may have different ways of doing things.
You can see a light go on in students when using real life experiences to help them grasp a subject. It makes learning more personal and fun! They remember those experiences, and the material that corresponds to it.
Karen, I agree it is a challenge to become a better instructor with each class you teach, but well worth the effort.
Michele Deck
Center-based teaching has proven to be a very good tool for me as well.
Being a learner in your (my) class is exuberant. Every time I teach a particular course I try very hard to bring something new to the class, in order to do this, I must take the time to learn and incorporate new things and new ideas to foster learning of my student. As I challenge the student, I find myself challenging the instructor in me.
Caryn, I would love the opportunity to be a learner in your class. I like it when my instructor makes the process of learning fun and engaging.
Michele Deck
Jennifer, I think it is important to never lose sight of what it means to be a learner.
Michele Deck
Because its fun. To be a learner in my class means you will discover you are able to learn A&P in a fun, retainable way that helps you to be successful in your career. As a class we all grow together supporting one another in the process.
I learn from my students as well. its great to be able to do that, I think it help them to know we do not know everything
Tracy, I find that some of the best teaching ideas I use are those that came from the ideas of former students of mine.
Michele Deck
I think being a learner in your own class is great because from each class we teach ~ we learn something new. To be able to actually "learn" it would mean we took it from one class and used in another to benefit that particular group!
