Teaching Geosciences: Putting Theory to Practice

Large classes, learning new content and utilizing educational technology are just a few of the challenges that geoscience educators encounter. When faced with these issues for the first time it is hard to know where to start. Putting together a professional development plan can alleviate stress and ensure you are on a path that is right for you. A scientific approach to developing a plan will take you into the literature documenting professional development, education, and cognitive psychology. Drawing on the experience of colleagues that have been through this will also help prevent re-inventing the wheel. Taking the research and our own experiences into account, we recommend the following steps when developing your plan:

Write out a personal teaching philosophy.

The act of reflecting on your ideas about teaching is powerful. It helps you identify where you are at and what teaching strategies best fit your approach to teaching. Teaching is both a science and an art, and there is no ‘one size fits all' approach to this development. Examine your teaching philosophy periodically so you can see where you have come from.

Find a mentor.

Mentors can provide valuable and honest feedback and help you stay on track. Find someone you trust who has the qualities you are looking to develop within yourself.

In the classroom, change one thing at a time.

Rome wasn't built in a day – neither are educationally effective courses. Start out implementing small, well-planned learning activities and build from there. Take time to collect data and evaluate the value of these learning activities.

Participate in a teaching development program.

Many colleges and universities offer faculty members the opportunity to participate in teaching development programs. These programs provide strategies to help with the challenges of teaching and a forum to connect with fellow educators.