Good teaching gets students involved by having them actively work together. It means having a supportive classroom where everyone knows what's expected, and checking in regularly to see how students are doing and give them feedback. Tailoring lessons and showing how they relate to real life helps students learn better.
Going forward, I plan to:
Use more activities that make students actively involved in learning.
Create group work so students can learn from each other.
Use different ways to check understanding and change my teaching as needed.
Ask students for their thoughts to make learning better for them.
This module was helpful in that it drove home for me that instructors need to have competence in three major areas: Technical; professional; and personal. It was also insightful for me that the module encourages instructors to find their own style/battle rhythm and seek out continuing education opportunities. Just as we share with our students, we need to be lifelong learners. I also enjoyed the Harvard video about motivation and passion. Purpose + Passion= Success that lasts :)
Comment on Shayna Sykes's post: Oh that's for sure. Great input! Because how can I discuss what happens to me after work to my student who may not even patronize the style of life I choose to live for example. Pal's can definitely stay out the classroom.
From these passages I've learned that what you bring to the table has both strengths and weaknesses. I've learned that there are many resources including my colleagues to access great teaching strategies to become a better educator, model, and over professional at what I do with my classroom. So the horizon is nonetheless very bright for the future that this career can breath into my life.
I learned that through professionalism I can sharpen my classroom roles as manager, model, and motivator. I also learned I will not be the smartest individual in the classroom and trying to prove otherwise would be a mistake.
I have learned that you need to be able to pivot with your teaching methods and ideas to be able to effectively allow the students to learn in the most effective way. I will apply it by being open to ideas and suggestions from the students and other faculty.
Professionalism is key in running your class and whatever you give out will be watched carefully either bad or good. Remember to also have the compassion for your subject your teaching as you do for your students.
I like the process of evaluating your past instructors, both good and "bad" in a way that looks at their effectiveness. I want to be an effective instructor.
I learned that by being more professional I can be a role model for future students.
Learned more about professionalism and effective preparation to be a better educator. Confidence, having a development plan for areas of weakness to improve, and to strive to be the best.
I learned that professionalism is required at all times. This in addition to respectful communication are the tools to give credibility to individuals that you are someone that they can learn from. Also it serves as an opportunity to lead by example. When it comes to the topic you are teaching, confidence combined with a bit of vulnerability will go a long way to impressing to the students that you love the topic, and that you still understand that we are never done learning.
What I found important in this learning module is the show of compassion and being a motivator. Students come in all different situations and learning techniques. Get to know your students and recognizing their strengths and weaknesses will prepare you succeed in teaching.
I gained from the module:
Authenticity and Realism: Being genuine and relatable helps establish connections with students.
Prioritizing Relationships: Loving the subject and showing care for the students create a positive teaching environment.
Preparation and Self-Knowledge: It's essential to understand your school, students, subject, colleagues, and yourself.
Instructional Techniques: Providing Modeling, Management, and Motivation is crucial for students' success in academic and professional settings.
Professionalism: Setting a strong example and maintaining professionalism is key to effective teaching.
Adaptability: Keeping materials updated and staying current in the field ensures relevance.
Humanity and Growth: Embracing one's human nature, learning from mistakes, and being open to development are important for maintaining professionalism and approachability.
Respect and Individual Attention: Treating students with respect, acknowledging their concerns, and addressing issues privately promotes a supportive learning atmosphere.
I learned to be myself and to ensure that realism and being yourself fosters an environment of connection with the students.
I've learned to try and not be the smartest person in the room. Showing love to the subject and student will win every time!
I've learned that one should always know your school, know your students, know your subject, know your colleagues, and know yourself.
I learned that it is important to provide Modeling, Management and Motivation for for our students to be successful in both a school and professional environments.
I was reminded that professionalism is one of the key areas we need to teach and model for students.
This module did two things for me. It reminded me of some of the ways I am on the right track with engaging students and reminded me that updating the material to stay current is very important.
I think some things I will need to remember is that I'm human - its okay to make mistakes and I dont need to be too stuck up to still be professional.
