After reading Chapter 27 (Competencies for Instructional Design and Technology Professionals), I have come to realize that although I’ve now been teaching in my field for almost eight years, there are many hidden areas that I have a lot more to learn about. It seems that each week after reading another chapter, I just keep finding more information that I didn’t know (and didn’t even know that I should have known before I read it—if that makes any sense).
I’d like to think that having grown up with technology that I have a pretty good grasp at what is going on in the technology world. When it comes to Competency, I think that we all have our strengths, and weaknesses. Chapter 27 discusses many. I found that the Instructor role fits my profession the best. In my mind there are so many of the competencies that apply to what I do that I really had a hard time choosing which to discuss. I’ll try to pick a few.
1. Communicate effectively / Promote Clarification and Feedback / Promote retention of knowledge and skill / Assess learning and performance: These areas are so important within my field, and are pretty much meshed together on a daily basis with each student. I primarily teach one-on-one in an aircraft cockpit setting. During a typical training session, we have a pre-flight brief, then we go fly a lesson, followed by a post flight brief. During these briefs, it is important that we are able to effectively communicate the lesson material, pose and answer questions. During the flight, this is equally imperative, although now multi-tasking and hands-on performance now come in to play. Finally, a thorough post-flight briefing in important to discuss the elements of the flight.
2. Update and improve one’s professional: As an education professional, this is one area that is imperative in the aviation field. Technologies frequently change and we must keep up with up-to-date material and equipment in order for the training we provide to be top notch. Along this train of thought, we must continue our own education, and strive to keep ourselves in the learning process.
I think that on a daily basis, we all strive to be as competent as possible in all of the areas which pertain to our area of expertise, however since most areas encompass so much, I don’t think it is quite possibly to know, and do it all…..but I’ll keep trying, like the rest!
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You are right, there is a lot of information in these chapters that I have not considered in the past either. I am, however, finding it very useful. The problem I am having is trying to learn, understand, and use all of this new information. I think I'll be working at it long after this class is over. It will make me a better teacher and leader. I just hope I can remember everything I want to do and how to do it. I won't be selling my book back.
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