One of the joys that I have had this past year has been teaching both a traditional class (PR Cases) as well as an online class. Getting into the new year, I will have the wonderful opportunity to be teaching both classes again. I am super excited – I have thoroughly enjoyed teaching in both classes and interacting with my students.
I was teaching two different levels of students – my PR Cases class was filled with seniors who will be graduating from Tennessee this upcoming May, and my online students at West Virginia are Master’s students in the IMC program. I have learned some valuable teaching lessons – ranging from what teaching styles work best and how to be a great resource for students to prepare them for their future professions. Here are a few things that I found to be good teaching practices:
Be current and up-to-date: I remember there were a few professors that I had in my undergraduate studies that were still using projectors for their lectures. I believe that it is very important to be on top of things, especially in technology. Be on top of what is being used in the profession and discipline, do some research, and bring your findings into the classroom.
Be tough, but encouraging: One of my favorite quotes is one that states, “The toughest soldiers come from the toughest schools.” I definitely used this when I was training with Dad in track and field, and I try to bring that into the classroom. Students have to realize, especially in this tough economy, that the workplace is going to be tough and they will have to work hard to get ahead. You want to reward the students for their hard work and dedication. Whether it is positive encouragement or recognition in class – it all adds up. However, good grades and praise are earned, not a given.
Be a student yourself: You can always learn from anyone – and I believe that students are always on the cutting edge of the field as well as in technology. We as professors have to be open to new ideas and continually learn and grow as professionals. My students in my IMC class were wonderful at this – they were positive and strategic in their final projects – I was very impressed. My PR Cases students really went beyond the call in their assignments and I learned a lot from them as well.
Learning from others: I have had the experience in being from a family of professors – Mom teaching Psychology while Dad taught Marketing and Accounting. I felt that both Mom and Dad are great role models for me in the classroom – I remember going to their classes when I was little and always was fascinated with the classroom. They are always professional and encouraging with their students – and it was great to see that. In my college experience, I have taken some classes from some extraordinary professors that have really helped me decide what type of professor I want to be when I graduate from the Ph.D. program – like Dr. Choi (Florida), Dr. Carroll (USC, now at UNC), Jen Floto (USC), Jerry Swerling (USC), Dr. Palenchar (UT), and Dr. McMillan (UT).
Anyway, these are just a few things that I have picked up this past year in teaching. Teaching is a wonderful experience – it is very rewarding and you feel like you can make a difference in someone’s lives. Also, these individuals will be running our professions someday, and that is exciting in itself. I am looking forward to the upcoming semester in 2010!
Hope you all are having a great day!
Best Wishes,
Karen
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