STT Instructor Resources

I love podcasts!  I listen to them when I run, do housework, and when I am driving.  There are some gems out there that can provide you with ideas to support your teaching.

This podcast highlights a trades instructor sharing their teaching experiences.  The instructor speaking on this podcast can be reached at the BC Campus.

https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/trades-educator-podcast/id1543027355

Here are a few website links dedicated to teaching podcasts in both the K to 12 system and post-secondary:

http://leaderoflearning.com/category/podcast-episodes

https://theteachingspace.com/

Active learning + intrinsic motivation, working in collaboration, create a perfect environment for deep learning and student engagement.  You do not need to be a seasoned instructor to create this environment in your classroom.  However, it does take planning, alignment to your course objectives and your willingness to develop your own teaching skills to ensure that meaningful learning is happening in your classroom.  Barkley (2010) penned an excellent resource for new and seasoned faculty titled Student Engagement Techniques.

 

Barkley (2010) provided some tips and strategies that can be implemented on your first day of teaching and throughout.  Two of my favourites that we used in PIDP 3250 included the following:

 

Jigsaw (p. 289) – students work in small groups and become experts on a specific topic.  The students who have significant knowledge about their topic divide up and teach the topic to other student groups.  All of the groups take turns teaching the other groups.  This exercise could work well in trades classrooms.  Typically there is a significant amount of material to review and this strategy will allow the students to assimilate the information over a shorter period of time.  I would also suggest that each group will also be responsible to provide the other students with notes that capture the important details regarding their topic.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

http://ellassessment.wdfiles.com/local–files/strategy-cards/jigsaw.gif

 

Think-Aloud-Pair-Problem Solving (p. 259) – Using TAPPS methods, one student is the problem solver and the other is the listener who follows the steps spoken aloud by the problem solver, understands the process, and adds any other suggestions or steps if needed.  This strategy works well for trades students and can also incorporate the “see one, do one, teach one” framework.

 

https://www.concordia.ca/offices/ctl/getting-started-with-active-and-collaborative-learning/active-learning-strategies-and-collaborative-learning%20techniques.html

 

Essential Skills for Trades Students

Here are a few links and documents that you might find useful in helping your students with their essentials skills, especially math and algebra.

 

Check out this website for additional resources specific to trades training:

 

http://www.skillplan.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Trades_Instructors_Guide_Intro.pdf

 

https://ita2.essentialskillsgroup.com/

 

Here are some links that you might find interesting and useful that was developed by kindred souls who are also on their PIDP journey:

 

• Active Learning – https://gdaveji.wordpress.com/2019/02/22/promoting-active-learning/
• Create a Four Course Meal – https://adamsculinaryteaching.blogspot.com
• Nurse’s Notes on Teaching and Learning – https://nursesnotesforlearning.trubox.ca/
• WelderUP – https://metalfabit.wixsite.com/website
• Learning Strategies: Background Knowledge Probe – https://bkozblog.wordpress.com/
• Career Purpose – https://fesnielsen.wordpress.com/

 

And here is another demonstration of PIPD engagement using a video format:

https://youtu.be/IbfhuKCYRsM

 

Check out the School of Instruction website and Facebook page for some additional resources:

• https://www.facebook.com/VCCSchoolOfInstructorEducation
• https://www.vcc.ca/programscourses/program-areas/program-highlights/sie/
• https://twitter.com/myVCC

You stare out to a sea of blank faces staring back at you who are waiting for you to say something meaningful and engaging.  You break out in a cold sweat, your mouth is dry, and you find your hands slightly shaking.  Your mind goes blank and you struggle to remember what you were going to say while trying to portray confidence.  Welcome to your first days of teaching!

 

Here are some tips to help you out with those first knee-knocking days:

 

1. 1. Be prepared – check out your classroom ahead of time, test the teaching technologies, make sure your password works and you can log into the classroom computer, have plenty of markers, dry erase, etc. on hand.
   2. Practice your lesson plans – try them out on your family and friends.  Record yourself and review; are you speaking clearly, do you look comfortable (even if you’re not)?  Review your material ahead of time.  Do you have enough materials and engaging activities?
   3. Are you dressed for success?  This doesn’t’ mean coming in a suit or a tie but it does mean that you look professional and tidy.  You are representing your field of expertise and TRU.  This also includes professional language.
   4. Show your enthusiasm and the passion you have for your trade!  Let students know that you are there to share your knowledge and that you want to support their learning.  Use positive and encouraging language and statements.  Your first days set the tone for the rest of your class.
   5. Have water on hand.  You will get thirsty and even more so when you’re nervous.
   6. Get to know your students and have them get to know each other.  Share your history and what has led you to teach.  Keep it short though.  Students get quite bored and disengaged if you blab on for too long.  Have your students share a little about themselves such as what they might enjoy doing and why they have pursued a career in the trades.  This will help build a sense of community in the classroom.
   7. Set some ground rules such as absences, coming to class late, cell phones, respectful language, etc.  You set the tone of professionalism in the classroom.
   8. Expect that things won’t go as planned.  Have an option B handy and refer to #1 on the list.
   9. Don’t get discouraged.  Some days…hours…minutes will go better than others.  You are learning just as the students are too.
   10. Remember to change things up a little.  The students will quickly become bored and disengaged if all you do is lecture.  Get them involved and have them facilitate their own learning.  There are many tips and techniques to use in the classroom.
   11. Oh and one more…try and have fun and relax.  Teaching is an honourable profession and we appreciate the knowledge you are bringing to the classroom. It will get easier!

    

   References:

   http://insideteaching.grad.msu.edu/10-tips-for-your-first-day-of-class/

   Good teachers introduce new thoughts.
   Great teachers introduce new ways of thinking.

   Good teachers care about their subjects.
   Great teachers care about their students.

   Good teachers teach us what they know.
   Great teachers teach us how to learn.#MondayMotivaton

   — Adam Grant (@AdamMGrant) August 27, 2018

Okay, it’s your first day in the classroom.  Your nerves are fraught, you are feeling somewhat overwhelmed, and you ask yourself…I wonder if this was a good idea?  Another common feeling is the “imposter syndrome” which is a very common occurrence.  You are not the first new instructor that has experienced this feeling, nor will you be the last.  It is important to know that the skills and knowledge that you bring to the classroom will help facilitate the learning of trades students and provide them with the ability to become skilled tradespeople.

 

This short video will demonstrate that other instructors, regardless of which field you teach in, also experience the same self-doubt.  Car Talks: Imposter Syndrome  https://youtu.be/g5gvKXLnUBY

 

 

 

 

Here is a blog written by a teacher who shares her early days teaching: https://www.teachersconnect.com/2016/08/02/wait-right-now-look-imposter-syndrome-irl/