Daniel Spooner

Before I begin a lecture/discussion, I begin a general discussion that incorporates the subject that I am about to begin, the students do not realize that I am gauging what they know about the subject before hand. I let them explain how they think that a certain process is done letting all the students add ideas as to how this process is done. I ask critical questions as the discussion progresses to make sure that they are incorporating all essential elements that must be considered. This peaks their interest so that when I start the lecture they can recognize if… >>>

When we get new students (1st time enrollee’s) should we be setting aside some time at the beginning of the semester to set and talk with each student to try to get a heads-up on any issue(s) that might cause an “unnecessary” drop? As an instructor I try to get to each student and try to find out little things about them and their situations without coming off as being nosy! This helps in averting issues before they get out of hand for the student if I can offer alternatives or help them fing the right solution for their issue.… >>>

When subject-matter is highly technical or requires that I have to deal with formulas, rules and the like, before starting into the subject matter, I try to find a common ground from everyday life that all can relate to and start an informal discussion with the class asking them what order do they follow when putting that engine back together, or how they reach that “higher” level of the game that they play, to try to show them that if they apply that same frame of thought or strategy towards what we are about to study, it can be challenging,… >>>