become a better teacher

Just want to improve my communication skills and to remain knowledgebale in a particular subject

Since I added this goal I’ve made improvements in a variety of areas. But there are so many different strategies and techniques to learn about and try out. I find myself going in cycles. I’ll learn some new techniques, or try different things and my classes go well for awhile. Then I notice that one area could use some improvement. I work on that, those classes go well for awhile but the I notice something else I could improve.
My problem is I teach everything from kindergarten to advanced adults, so I can’t even focus on one technique or teaching style. I also don’t have much training, just a TEFL certificate. But I have almost one year of actual experience now and I have learned SO much in that year. I’ll just keep doing what I’m doing, and make sure to try to focus on one area for improvement each week or so.

This is similar to my first few posts on what I want to do (better husband and better father). I think I do a pretty good job here…I know my material, I get along well with the kids, I set high expectations and help kids reach them, I work hard at all of this… Maybe that’s it…I need to learn to work smarter. There are strategies and ideas that are out there….some of which I don’t even know about that might make me a more effective teacher. I need to learn…

sigh

I am trying to put all my energy into becoming a better person. I would like that to transfer over into helping others become all that they can be. I know that comes from within-but what transfers in the way of enthusiasm, content, and love of learning that transcends the inertia of “maybe tomorrow?” I want to be that person NOW!

At the moment, it looks as though I have a class of mainly boys next year (23 out of 25), so I want to do some reading during the six-week Christmas break about implementing an indoor-outdoor program for 2008. It is something I have been interested in doing since I started work at my current Kindergarten four years ago, but never had the get-up-and-go to actually start. Hopefully I can get this off the ground for 2008 without treading on too many toes!

I just took a class on integrating technology into my teaching practices. I’m so fired up to try a blog with my kids – a grammar blog! They might hate the topic, but it could be cool and ultimately really useful as a teaching tool. And I’ve worked up a survey for the kids on SurveyMonkey. I’m not sure how it’ll play out, but it will definitely be useful to get some feedback on classroom atmosphere, activities, etc. Though ultimately, student preferences being what they are (to do NO work if possible!), it is my call on how things are managed in my classroom.

Well, I teach Psychology for over 14s. I have been using a digital projector to offer Slideshows covering key material.
I am aware that I’m maybe ‘lecturing’ a little too much (though adults seem to quite like this) and not allowing them to “discover” on their own own or in pairs/groups. I guess this is partly for my own peace of mind as I know, through the slideshows that they are covering the essentials and I know full well that they don’t read the text book religiously at home each week!

However, it’s a little too intensive for me as I don’t have much prep time and I feel they’re maybe getting it too easy?

Now, not that I needed this shove, but it seems I may have to give back the laptop and projector. So this is perhaps an opportunity for me to make them do more of the work. The trouble is with an adult class – I don’t want them to feel they’re turning up to class only to read the text book, or some variation on that theme.

I keep wanting to come up with exercises and projects etc but I don’t always get the inspiration or manage to research anything. I could keep preparing my slideshows, but can’t print out the slides as I doubt the photocopying budget stretches to this!

I have the Ginnis’ “Teacher’s Toolkit” book but fear much of it is for younger kids?

Discussion works quite well and engages them, but by no means covers what they need to for the exam and I have to keep them from going off at tangents, often losing precious time!

I’m thinking maybe something like worksheets with missing info, a “fact hunt”, if you will. The kinds of things I can prepare relatively quickly, giving them a little freedom, autonomy and responsibility?

I admit to being new to this and anxious to give the best experiences for my students but there’s no way I can be up most nights preparing outstanding resources, not differently each time. I need to find a few variations on tasks and activities that will see me through the year across whatever topics.

I thought the slide shows with occasional exercises, video and discussion would cover it, but my resources are being threatened! :-D

I could duplicate highlights of the slideshows, and worksheets to complement the text book, while not covering it entirely – having to trust, I guess, that they WILL read the text properly on their own time?

I suppose there are a whole range of different worksheet and mini-project ideas, so I could explore this. My next lesson is in 2 days. I’m not ahead with my planning because I teach only part-time and work a couple of other jobs!

Anyone want to share wisdom? Thanks…

this is on my other 43things

I think I’m better this year… More organized, more on top of my students needs (IEP’s, 504’s). Trying to smile more in every class, every day. Trying to play games from time to time. Developing more tech things, WebQuests, on-line activities. I love what I do. Why does it feel like all that I do is never enough?..