Teaching Tics and Complaints

[lord999]

I have just received my appointment at UMN to teach in the Pharmaceutical Care Lab. I'm rather scared at being on the other side so soon after graduation. Although I can remember my own pet peeves about certain teachers' habits and resolve not to repeat those mistakes, I'd appreciate any advice on this matter. Any insight that you have teaching complaints, irritants, or things that actually worked would be helpful to me.

 

[bananaface]

One of the biggest things people do when they get into a situation where they are not comfortable is to say "um" or some other space filler when they should just pause. That is one to look out for. In general, being comfortable will help you to avoid nervous habits. Teaching a lab is just like counseling except that you have a classroom full of people. Just bring your adgenda and interact.

Most schools have cameras they can set up so you can go back and watch yourself teach if you want to. Or, you could have a staff member you trust sit in and give you feedback. You will also get candid advice if you do evaluations at the end of the quarter. Just be sure that the questions you want answered are on the evaluation form.

Unless someone gives you reason to think that you have an annoying habit, I wouldn't worry too much about it.

 

[jdpharmd?]

Some of the problems from lab:

You're not really sure "why" you're doing something and the lab faculty just says "put the bigger number on top, multiply by .393428, then add that one first". That doesn't really help me understand "why" I'm doing something, and it really doesn't help me when I have to do the same thing on the exam. Another bad answer would be "because it's written that way in the lab manual". 🙂

 

[bananaface]

Cover these bases and you'll be fine!

Dr. John Carr?s teacher evaluation list
Knowledge of the subject
Interested in the subject
Considerate, friendly, and polite
Willing to see students out of class
Enthusiastic and stimulating
Tolerant and patient
Willing to admit errors
Sense of humor
Free from annoying mannerisms
Neat in appearance
Prepared for class
Stimulates student thinking
Encourages student participation
Adequate use of blackboard and AV equipment
Relates class to everyday life
Provides ample prep time
Speaks loud and clearly
Exams teach as well as evaluate
Many questions require thought and time
Exams graded fairly
Exercises and practice discussed fully