PTO - Unit 1.1

Objectives

Upon completion of this unit, you will be able to:

Reflect and share your teaching philosophy and teaching style with others in this course
Differentiate between teaching philosophy and style
Complete a self-analysis survey to evaluate your readiness to teach online
Reflect on the self-analysis survey results and determine what you need to do to prepare to teach online

Knowing your teaching philosophy

Your teaching philosophy has most likely been developed over the years by the many teaching experiences you have had. In all likelihood it is something that is still being cultivated as you learn new ways of learning and teaching. There are several elements that make up your teaching philosophy, it is important to determine the core elements of your philosophy and make your students aware of the teaching and learning dimensions within these elements.

Why is teaching philosophy important?

Many institutions are encouraging faculty to recognize and record faculty’s individual teaching philosophy. Teaching philosophies become a representation of the institutions stand on and defense on how learning occurs. It determines and confirms the role of the instructor in relation to the student in the learning process. Though the documented version of the teaching philosophy is the ultimate goal of this exercise, it is the journey or the process by which you reach ‘your own’ teaching philosophy that is invaluable. Many a times, asking the why? (I want to teach) and how? (I want to teach) determine the core structure of your teaching philosophy and can lend to recognizing the many missed elements within a teaching and learning environment.

Teaching Style vs. Teaching Philosophy

One must have learnt before one can learn to teach others. The process of learning in most cases has exposed students (now instructors) to differing teaching styles. A teaching style is built based on the many experiences an individual has been a witness to over the years. Mainly teaching styles develop from beliefs held about teaching, the teaching norms of a particular discipline, personal likes and dislikes and in many cases stems from the very nature of the instructor’s personality.

A teaching philosophy on the other hand is a statement that an instructor holds up their teaching to. It is a statement of intent many times that incorporates the individual’s teaching styles.

Understanding teaching styles is only one part of determining where your teaching philosophy may lie. Review Module 2 section on Teaching Philosophy
(Blackboard access only) and recall your Philosophy of Teaching Statement.

Learning Activity #1:
Post your thoughts on teaching philosophy on the Blackboard Discussion Forum titled,
“What is my Teaching Philosophy?” (Blackboard access only) ETA Instructional Designer
will moderate and facilitate the online discussion.

Am I ready to teach online?

As much as you ask your students if they are ready to take an online course, it is now time to ask if you are ready to teach online. Teaching online has its share of advantages and disadvantages. Understanding them help alleviate unnecessary stress while later teaching online.

Demands of the online environment are far reaching. You as an instructor must determine if this style of teaching fits into your teaching philosophy or in other words can your teaching philosophy work with this mode of teaching? Answering these basic questions will reduce immeasurable anguish as you teach in a virtual format.

What level should my technology skills be at?

Instructors have many concerns while teaching online. What is my role while being an online instructor? What are my responsibilities? Where am I to interject and provide guidance? When am I expected to stand back and let the students determine the route of the course?

Apart from the pedagogical questions arise more rudimentary and basic questions on technology. Teaching in an online medium exposes you and your students to the vulnerabilities of technology failure or inadequacies. It is best to address or question your online technology skills prior to starting this journey.

Some critical elements to consider before teaching an online course are:

Do I have the necessary technology skills to successfully teach my course online?
Do I satisfy the technology requirements that I ask of my students?
Do I have the necessary training in the course management system (Blackboard)?
Will I be able to post content and make immediate changes if necessary to my course website?
Am I comfortable in communicating via email exchanges?
Am I willing to stay online for more hours than I expect?
Am I comfortable in communicating in a text based medium?
Do I have the necessary software applications?
Am I ready to invest the time and resources to make this work?

Answering these questions in an honest manner will allow you to determine your technological readiness to teach online. Realizing the gaps or the need for professional development will ensure that you have taken the right steps in making this work for you and your students.

Learning Activity #2:

So, how do I determine if I am ready to teach online? Several surveys exist online that help determine if faculty/instructors are ready to teach online. Results to these surveys will provide an idea of where you stand on the road leading towards teaching online. For students in this course, we ask that you take a USF customized survey
(Blackboard access only) that will help you reflect and answer these important questions.

The ultimate goal of this unit is to assist you in determining if you and your teaching philosophy are aligned to teaching in an online environment. Reflect on the steps you have taken in completing the survey and the results of the same. Determine a list of what you need to know in order to prepare yourself to teach online. Use this list as a guide to find the resources and assistance available to you on campus and within your college.

End of Unit 1.1