Professor and Lecturer Interview Questions - 2

8. What are the different approaches or styles of teaching?

Answer:

There are distinctive styles adopted by modern professors. They are as follows:

i.) Authoritative Style: In this style, the lecturer uses auditorium setting. Here the lecturer gives a lengthy discussion on a pre-assigned topic. A large group of students is present. In this style, there is no interaction and it is mostly one way learning style in which knowledge is imparted.

ii.) Delegating Style: In this style, the students are given a pre –assignment and feedback is given. The professor works as an observer and promotes group studies.

iii.) Facilitator style: Here the professor adopts activity based self-learning style. The professors encourage students to ask questions rather than simply giving them all the answers. Here, the professor uses activities to promote self –discovery and helps to develop problem-solving skills.

iv.) Demonstrative Style: Here the professor does not rely on giving verbal lecture. He uses multimedia presentations, demonstrations and class activities. It is more interactive but sometimes it becomes difficult to accommodate the needs of all the students.

v.) Personality style: In this style the professor uses own personality, preference and interests into teaching. Here the professor changes the teaching style as per the student's requirement.

9. What teaching style do you adopt?

Answer:

Each professor has a unique style of teaching. Whichever style you adopt the focus should be on effective learning. The interviewer would like to see how you would teach a specific concept and what measures would you take to develop knowledge.  They would want to know how you influence learning in students.

To answer this question you can say something like: "I want the students to take control of their learning. I focus more on learning rather than just teaching. I would want the students to have deep understanding of the topic. I do not want the students to just memorize and have bookish knowledge.

I help students with methods of research and where to look for correct information. I help to develop their questions on the particular subject.

So, I would say that I do not have any specific teaching style but I look forward to providing knowledge which can be transferred in real life context."

10. What course are you looking forward to teach?

Answer:

While answering this question do not say that you are ready to teach any subject. This would imply that you are desperate to get the job. Just tell them that you are adaptable and you would be ready to fit into the departments learning requirements.

If you suggest some course make sure you can teach it well. Also, mention the teaching and assessment strategies you would like to take up.

To answer this question you can say something like: "I would like to contribute to the existing courses. With a doctorate in advance computing, I'm pretty good at all kinds of databases. I'll be interesting in taking up this subject for PG students."