Faculty As Content Experts
I had over 35 years experience in my field before I started teaching it. It really helps to be a "content expert" when you have day-to-day experience you can share with your students. Also sharing blunders on the job as well as successes lets them know they will learn even more when they actually get into the workplace.
Being the "subject expert" and discussing what will be covered in a lesson and telling the students to be carefull at step "so and so" helps the student. Then telling the students the reason to be careful at that is step is becuase you made a mistake at that step helps them understand that you are human and that they are getting information from someone who has "been there and done that and re-done that."
I let my students know how much I love what i teach. I am enthusiastic about my subjects and I always let them know when it is about to get really good. I will say, "It is about to get exciting." or " I love this part." I also let them know my real life experiences to tell them why my subject is important. I think of that as the big picture. You don't have to love ten-key but it is impressive when someone can use one well.
Robert,
I had 20 plus years in my field before I started teaching. I do love the teaching but it helps tremendously when you are a "content expert" and have the day-to-day experiences to draw on and to share with the students.
As far as the blunders, they love hearing those. It proves we're all human, especially their instructor, and we have the ability to laugh at ourselves but still succeed in our chosen fields.
Barbara
Right on! Faculty who can provide students with 'real life' examples are a wonderful asset. It is one thing entirely to teach the 'theory' and another to give practical application. Those students who have that experience have a significant advantage in the workplace.
Susan
I think if you can share with your students how you became an expert outside the classroom enviroment, and basically how this class is going to send them on their way they will tune in better.
You have to give real life examples of how you continue to learn and that it is fun and rewarding
mike kelly
Victor--
Right you are! No one knows the curriculum and subject matter as well as faculty. The real life experiences add both 'reality' and enthusiasm for the profession.
Susan
It is always beneficial to have an experienced teaching/working staff that can share real life experiences with the students. Students are likely to find more interest in the subject matter when personal experience is mixed with daily curriculum.
I appreciated your comments! As a faculty member, I would often share the failures with the triumphs. It shows students that we are human and the importance of trying, picking yourself up, and trying again. We have to be authentic in order to be credible with our students. Great posting Robert!
I agree Robert. If the instructor is not a Subject Matter Expert than they have a difficult time moving the curriculum in a direction necessary for all students, including slow and gifted, in a direction of learning.
