In the classroom, it is important to come in prepared. If you come in a mess with papers flying, you distract your students and delay learning start times. Come in early, and prepared.
Large group field trips may be impractical and difficult. Perhaps an assignment to study, interview or tour a facility would help students build networks, and become familiar with the local industry. This could even be a step in the interview process.
Having guest speakers, taking field trips, and keeping your classroom organized keeps the students engaged.
I have learned that being prepared and coming to class can really impact students. I also learned how to overcome my natural shyness at first. I also learned that it is important to be engaged with the learners and take some self reflection when teaching.
I realized my focus has been more on the instruction of the subject matter than it has on being the "leader" of the class.
I'd like to look further into going on field trips or bringing in speakers to help give our students a well rounded approach.
Organization is probably the most important aspect. Having a plan before class begins is of the utmost importance.
Utilizing different colored handouts for multiple forms, especially at the beginning of the year can be helpful. Additionally, creating observation sheets for field trips can keep the students focused and engaged.
Preparation and knowing your students are key factors in being a successful teacher.
Coming to class before students, being ready, pleasant, and well prepared is of upmost importance.
There are many types of teaching styles . Being prepared and early, ready to greet the students in the classroom will help the instructor gain the students respect.
Reflecting on the instructors of my own past and figuring out the positives from each one and if I can implement some of each one in my own style. Also being sure to be organized and prepared with handouts early for each class.
The more I know about myself and learn/observe my students, the better my teaching will be. Preparation and organization inside the classroom is key.
It is always good to review this type of instruction. Great reminders to improve the weak points and strengthen the strong ones
how to establish teaching styles, how to keep students interested in subject matter.
I learned that a pause of 20 seconds where you stand to the side of the classroom or laboratory and observe the students can be very useful and successful within the classroom dynamic. This would help me make any needed adjustments to keep the students engaged in the learning process.
Comment on Larry Canfield's post: I agree Larry, I have seen others using tons of post it notes and to me it appeared slightly sloppy. However, color coding some of the major points/areas seems like a great strategy.
Sooo much to learn! In a nutshell, be prepared and observant.
I took away the most from the time management solutions. It's so easy to get off-topic in conversation. It's hard to disengage when the students are invested in the discussion, but ensuring you go through all the contents is essential. Now, I will say that I have allowed the conversation to take over the class a time or two when it is almost teaching the subject matter.
Bringing industry partners into the classroom is an excellent way to connect learning to life. Besides being a student, my first introduction to a classroom was by being a guest speaker after I opened my first business. It was always interesting to experience the different sets of students. I always wondered what kind of questions they would ask me. When I invite guest speakers, I encourage them to bring pictures of their day-to-day experiences and have a few different questions ( more like fun facts they may not know) prepared to ask the students.
