Get Your Students Hired
Erwin,
The strategy I use is to try and break the content down into segments that they students feel they can understand and learn. This way they don't become overwhelmed by the volume of material because I give them a lecture and handout on a specific topic, then review it and have a discussion and then move on to the next topic.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Taking instructor courses offered inside and outside of the institution as well as incorporating student and other faculty feedback into developing my insturctor style are techniques I favor for further devlepment. I beliefe that its importnat to consider courses that can assist in training my "advanced technology" skills so as to bring more multi media skills into my lesson planning to keep class interesting and engaging for students. Also courses that can help me further learn to not speak "over the heads" of my students when presenting material are very bennificial. I feel there is always room to refine my skills in providing the necessary support and challenge for students regarding the subject in question. Courses taht challenge me to really relfect on ways to incorporate and consider these qualities in my insturctional style are so very much appriciated!
When teaching a technical class such as database administration or medical coding, I find it to be quite the challenge to deliver a "fun" lesson on subjects that are just too technical. I take the approach of teaching the information via powerpoint and then comparing the lessons reviewed and learned to the real world appplication of these concepts. But I can tell it is not enough. How do you go about encouraging students when they feel the materials presented feel quite daunting to the students (not all, but some)?
Jason,
I am a face to face learner as well as instructor myself so I can appreciate your comments about online courses. I have taught a number of online courses over the years but I still like to walk into a classroom or lab and interact with the students. Am using technology but not sure I am totally embracing it.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I'm kind of an old school learner and prefer an in class structure. I have had some bad experiences with online courses. As an instructor, I have listened to students and find that it's about a 50/50 split on how they view online courses.
James,
Attention to student feedback is essential if you are going to stay in touch with the learning needs of your students. You are right about the need to be able to adapt and change as needed based upon what you learn from your students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I think paying attention to the student feedback, reading to understand the comments, evaluating them and adjusting your approach as required is beneficial. To be most effective you have to be able to adjust your instructional style to meet the needs of the student's learning style.
I think paying attention to the student feedback, reading to understand the comments, evaluating them and adjusting your approach as required is beneficial. To be most effective you have to be able to adjust your instructional style to meet the needs of the student's learning style.
Manuel,
I use different games in my classes for review as well and my students really like them. As you mention they are fun for them to do but are very effective in the review process. A good learning time but very beneficial as well.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
May-Lin,
Good combination of instructional deliveries that will help students to use their different learning preferences as they acquire the needed knowledge. Like the variety that you are offering them.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I try to make the class more fun. By interacting with the students and expressing the life experience in the field stories.
For reviewing the class material, I do a Game Show type of review. Many students have told me that they learn more from the review than the lectures.
Therefore if its fun to learn the material will be absorbed by the students.
I try to remember all the learning styles in my course instruction and use lecture as well as PowerPoint presentations to engage the audio and visual learners and then from there we might do actual hard copy exercises to engage the tactile learners. I try to remember the learning styles during each class period so no one feels left out. I also ask them to apply what they have learned about by creating scenarios and asking them what they would do in x,y,z situations.
Shelly,
What a great resource you have. I enjoy doing observations because I always take something away from my visits that I can use in my classes.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I am fortunate to observe and learn from "seasoned" faculty. Additional training courses are also offered.
Dina,
You have a real resource with your family. I can imagine you all have some very interesting discussions when you get together.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
My school provides online training, such as Max-Knowledge. In addition, I have 4 siblings & in laws who are either already Educators or Principals at their schools. I enjoy learning from them and hearing what tactics they employ to making a difference in the classroom.
Heather,
You are fortunate to be in a school like yours. Your administration values good instruction and is trying to provide you with the resources needed to be a high quality instructor.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
We have inservices that provide a wealth of resources for the employees. We also have wonderful program directors who evaluate us during class times and offer pros and cons to our teaching styles.
Malana,
Great last sentence that reflects your dedication to teaching and impacting student lives. I wish you continued success as an educator.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Theresa,
Two good professional development strategies to use in your educational growth.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.