Tremayne Simpson

Rochelle, This is a great method for getting candid responses from your students. What is your approach when you find out that some of your students do not understand topics that they should have previously known? Tremayne Simpson

Gary, I agree with your point. Anytime an instructor can use a combination fo visual imagery and "hands on" activities/demonstrations, they definitely will spark the interest of their students. I am aware that it is not always possible, however instructors have to try to implement these types of activities, as often as possible. Tremayne Simpson

Jacqueline, Excellent use of resources. In addition, this provides your students with experience in interacting with individuals that work in their desired field. Tremayne Simpson

Jacqueline, I agree. Once they see the importance and the connection of the learning objectives to the program outcomes, it makes it easier to present them with course concepts. Tremayne Simpson

Clyde, I also use this method. In addition, I write questions (in parenthesis) next to each agenda item, that we answer after the lecture is completed. This is my structured review method. Tremayne Simpson

Dan, The key is to get them to engage with the course content. Even if an assignment "indirectly" appeals to their personal interests, they will tend to focus more on it. Tremayne Simpson

Gary, I believe that most instructors have experience this situation. The key is to make sure to take notes during each session, to ensure that you can remember where you are in the course and material that you were not able to complete in the lecture. Tremayne Simpson

Jacqueline, In addition, with the new standards for "credit ascription" (justifying out-of-class assignments) it is important to document lesson plans to serve as evidence, if requested by the institution's accreditor. Tremayne Simpson

TIMOTHY, I agree. After you have taught the same course for several terms, it is interesting to review old lesson plans, to see how much content you have added since you first taught the class. Also, you may want to re-implement assignments that you used several terms ago, due to the needs of the current student group. Tremayne Simpson

Dan, I have also experienced these situations, with certain groups of students. In these cases I tend to supplement that allotted course time, with "outside of class" assignments that may assist the students in further comprehending the material. It is important that instructors are patient with students that are not able to "grasp" the material, however sometimes it is important to provide them with further practice, so that you can move on with the planned lesson. Tremayne Simpson