One of my colleagues presented an interesting idea a few weeks ago, that came back to discussion today. His idea: that we consider team teaching. The premise is that among the three of us that are full-time faculty, we each teach similar content at different levels and scopes of practice throughout the three years of our program, and that we consider each teaching our favourite units throughout the program at each level. For example, Brad teaches the advanced care theory class in third year, I teach theory in the second year, however we both cover similar topics. In this method I might teach toxicology to my second year class, while Brad is teaching obstetrics to his third year class, then we would switch; I would take my toxicology unit with additions to the third year class, and Brad would move into the second year classroom.
Advantages would include each of us having more focused prep time, and we would be that much more up to date and read on our individual modules. It may also prove more interesting for the students, as each teacher brings their own methods and enthusiasm. Disadvantages would be the obvious difficulty in coordinating these modules and our teaching time, as we all have busy semesters, and teach our content in an organized flow that may have to be altered. There would also be less familiarity with the students in each class, and therefore less emphasis on understanding students on an individual basis. I am intrigued by the idea, however at this time the task of coordinating teaching efforts seems very large in light of the workload we currently have, as we are in a program accreditation year. Additionally, as I am just finishing my second year of full-time teaching, I would be happy to have at least a third year to continue working on my current courses and teaching methods. Our dean has no issue with the sharing of teaching assignments like this, so if it is something we decide to try we have the support to do so. My fellow program faculty are also very excellent to work with, and we will only go ahead once all three of us feel ready or have desire to do so. So at this point, I personally would like to hold off for another year. Has anyone else taught in a similar context as this? I'd be keen to hear some first hand thoughts about the experience!
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AuthorI teach Paramedicine at Cambrian College, in Sudbury, Ontario. I also continue to work as a paramedic, and ride bikes. This is my third semester in the PME program, and I look forward to learning with everyone! Archives
March 2017
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