Enhancing Teaching Practice through Practical Sessions and Community Involvement
Teaching adults presents unique challenges, as the learners bring their own experiences and ideas to the classroom. Over the years, I have acquired valuable skills through various educational and practical experiences that have profoundly influenced my teaching methods.
Adult Learning and Teaching Approaches
Years ago, I attended an 8-hour seminar on How to Train Adults. The seminar offered universal principles that are applicable across age groups. One of the key insights was that adults are more challenging to teach than children. They come with a myriad of preconceptions and solutions, which educators must address methodically.
Recognizing that people have different learning styles is crucial. Some are visual, others prefer hands-on activities, while some are receptive to lectures or independent reading. Therefore, as an educator, it is essential to be versatile in your teaching strategies. This could involve walking around the classroom, using your hands or arms to illustrate concepts, employing analogies, maintaining eye contact, involving the audience, asking questions, and using appropriate humor.
Furthermore, monotone and unvaried delivery can quickly lose the attention of adult learners. Maintaining a lively and engaging tone is vital for effective teaching.
Practical Sessions and Student Engagement
To enhance understanding and retention, I integrate numerous practical sessions into my teaching. For instance, when teaching about genetic combinations, I would have students take out colored buttons from different bags to understand possible combinations. In English classes, I would ask students to play characters in a drama, which helps them internalize the material in a fun and engaging manner.
Scientific subjects, such as biology, can be made more interesting by demonstrating plant or organ models. Students can also create posters, charts, or models to better grasp the concepts. Practical engagements like this not only make the lessons more memorable but also cater to various learning styles present in the classroom.
In English classes, for example, I would incorporate practical drama exercises followed by poster projects that allow students to visualize and articulate their understanding.
Community Involvement and Networking
One particular experience that broadened my educational horizons was my involvement in the Astronomy Club at my community college. Observing the teaching methods of the Astronomy teacher provided me with new insights into effective pedagogical techniques. This experience deepened my understanding of how to present complex material in an accessible and engaging way.
Given that my students are typically mature individuals already in the workforce, traditional lectures are often held in the evening. Recognizing the practical applications of their coursework, I arrange visits to student workplaces during the semester. These visits enable students to showcase their companies and products, creating valuable networking opportunities. This approach is not only educational but also practical, as students appreciate the relevance of what they are learning.
By combining practical sessions, community involvement, and leveraging various teaching techniques, I ensure that my students not only gain a deeper understanding of the material but also see its real-world applications. These experiences have significantly enhanced my teaching practice and student engagement.
Through continuous learning and adaptation, I strive to create an environment where adult learners can thrive and achieve their educational goals.