SELF IMPROVEMENT AS A LECTURER

There are several different ways that a lecturer can enhance their personal growth and development. Most lecturers will use a combination of these methods to solicit valuable feedback and information that will guide their teaching career. Some lecturers may prefer one method over another, but each of the following has been proven to be valuable in their overall development as a lecturer.

Experience

Experience is perhaps the greatest teacher. No amount of training can truly prepare you for the adversity that a teacher can face in the real world. First year lecturers often wonder what they have gotten themselves into over the course of that first year. It can be frustrating and disheartening, but it does become easier. A classroom is a laboratory and lecturers are chemists constantly tinkering, experimenting, and mixing things up until they find the right combination that works for them.  Each day and year brings about new challenges, but experience allows us to adapt quickly and make changes ensuring that things continue to operate efficiently.

Literature

There is an over abundance of books and periodicals dedicated to lecturers. You can find a plethora of terrific books and periodicals to help improve in any area you may struggle with as a lecturer. You can also find several books and periodicals that are inspirational and motivational in nature. There are excellent content driven books and periodicals that can challenge how you teach critical concepts. You will probably not agree with every facet of every book or periodical, but most offer sensational tidbits that we can apply to ourselves and to our classrooms. Asking other lecturers, talking to administrators, or doing a quick online search can provide you with a good list of must read literature.

Mentoring Program

Mentoring can be an invaluable tool for professional growth and development. Every young lecturer should be paired with a veteran lecturer. This relationship can prove to be beneficial for both lecturers so long as both sides keep an open mind. Young lecturers can lean on a veteran lecturers' experience and knowledge while veteran lecturers can gain a fresh perspective and insight into the newest educational trends. A mentoring program provides lecturers with a natural support system where they are able to seek feedback and guidance, exchange ideas, and vent at times.

Teacher-Teacher Observations

Observations should be a two way street. Doing the observing and being observed are equally valuable learning tools. Lecturers should be open to allowing other lecturers in their classroom on a regular basis. It is necessary to note that this will not work if either lecturer is egotistical or easily offended. Every lecturer is different. They all have their individual strengths and weaknesses. During observations, the observing lecturer is able to take notes detailing the other lecturer’s strength and weaknesses. Later they can sit down together and discuss the observation. This provides a collaborative opportunity for both lecturers to grow and improve.