I would like to be a learner in my classroom for a variety of reasons. One I genuinely care about my students and value them as people and value them as colleagues. Furthermore, I provide what I call a layering method to teaching. I give them reading assignments before my class that requires them to read the book and answer a substantial amount of questions PRIOR to the lecture. Then they receive my lecture which is loaded with videos and educational power points. My students all have Anatomy Coloring books that they are required to do that cover the topics in class. We finish the material with graded assignments and labs. So they students are subjected to this material more than 6 times in my class helping to create a layering of information using different parts of their brain and body to learn and remember this information.
Heidi, you might be surprised to meet some instructors who think they know everything. hankfully, teaching keeps most people humble.
Michele Deck
Because, last time I checked I wasn't omniscient. I don't know or remember everything. Being open to what your students have to say and learning from them can teach me something new or better.
Catherine, you have the attitude of a lifelong learner, which is a valuable gift to your learners. You know how it feels to keep learning even though you are not the student. They are lucky to have you!
Michele Deck
Students love to be able to share information with the class. Many of my students have actual work experience and share situations when certain things worked for them. They enjoy being able to share information with me as well. I am always open to learning. I even ask them questions and ask them to research something further to share the next class.
Stacie, in your post you say that you use nontraditional methods. I would like to attend your class and experience those, too.
Michele Deck
I would like to be a learner in my own classes for two reasons. First, I try to be very self-reflective of my instruction and activities to maximize future lessons and having a student point of view would be helpful (trying to decrease my emotional connection). Secondly, to participate in a class that encourages diversity of learning and goes against the "traditional/stereotypical" lecture based class would be refreshing.
Stacey, after hearing your description of your classes, I would like to attend them, also. Your list of approaches sounds fun and engaging.
Michele Deck
I just completed my first quarter of classroom instruction. Normally I am at our clinical site with our students, not in the instructor capacity. I think I would want to be a learner in my own class, because I try to appeal to all different types of learners. I use exercises, videos, lectures and real life examples to keep my lectures interesting. I teach A&P, however, I teach the course specific to surgical technology. Therefore, it's very easy when lecturing anatomy and/or systems, to demonstrate procedures that the student might see during their externship. I field questions, and approach the subject from all aspects. Mostly scientific in nature, but sometimes I am able to put the personal spin on it. Furthermore, I can actualize it by describing the steps of the procedures, or even describe things that I have witnessed when I was working in the field. I do notice my students taking on the "bombie" look from time to time, but that's when I know I need to shake things up and re-ignite the interest in the subject matter!
Aleatha, it is a talent to be able to create spontaneous humor in class. Your students benefit from this talent.
Michele Deck
Because I captivate my students in the first few minutes of the class. I make it very interesting and easy to understand. I use humor whenever possible.
Luisa, I agree. We must be lifelong learners ourselves for a variety of reasons.
Michele Deck
When we assume the role as learner in our class, it allows a more comfortable, stress free environment for the students to learn in. The students will feel comfortable engaging in learning activities without feeling as if they are being constantly evaluated by the instructor.
Monica,thank you for offering us a glimpse of your classes and why they are successful. Please continue your positive approaches.
Michele Deck
My class is very interactive to help students understand the concepts. Each week is a new topic and a new method of facilitating the class. I have high energy level class sessions and incoporate as much student participation as possible. There are times when I allow them to work with their friends but for the most part, they are placed with other people in the room. I even use creative methods to assign random teams. There is a competitive edge to using games and Turning Technology while discussing topics.
Lori, you are indeed a smart and talented educator. Please continue to find ways to engage your learners in the process of learning.
Michele Deck
I find that trying something new on a regular basis to "shake" things up works best for me in the respect that I never want to get or appear bored with my topic/s I teach. I have been called an edutainer. I believe in captivating an audience and using my bag of tricks to engage every student. I am always looking for new learning experiences to help me grow. I know that students are not the same & different approaches may be used to assist them in becoming successful.
nicole, you are wise to use curiosity. It is a powerful adult motivator.
Michele Deck
I would want to be a student in my class, because I feel I am a great clinical instructor. I have a variety of ways of doing and explaining the same subject for my students who dont learn the same way. I engage the students curiosity
Carmen, it is an investment in yourself, your students and your career path to do what you have described here.
Michele Deck
