I addition to the fact that the pps are exactly ther same as book, they seem to always be full of mistakes. I go through them abd use them as a guide for making good pps.
If I use the PPT presentations provided as part of instructor materials, I always review it and make sure it fits with what I want to talk about. I will also take slides out just in order to make it shorter and stick to the most important points.
I look for relevancy, rigor, accuracy, timing, etc.
I agree, I like to make my own PP presentations on the material, that way I can make them interactive, and cover the exact material I wish to have covered.
Hi Karen:
Better instructors create their own PPT's. I find what the publishers give arew virtually useless (although I do use their image library).
I use my PPT as a guide for my discussion (to keep me on track), and this assist's me facilitating discussion. Really, with some exceptions, if the student is not actively participating, they are not receivoing all that I and the class have to offer.
Regards, Barry
Hi Kevin:
This is a good plan. Students like variety, and not one method can really do as much as a combination of media delivery methods.
Regards, Barry
I try to have a mixture of powrepoint, white board, and video clips on current events, so I keep their attention. At then end of each class, I introduce a discussion activity on a crrent economic issue - related to the principles presented in that class...
I make my own powerpoint presentations using my personality "quirks" to infuse a little fun into learning. I don't muddy the waters with a lot of cute graphics or silly sounds, but I still get the point across and have fun at the same time.
Karen
I use powerpoints, but I print-off the slides with three per page with room for notes and hand them out for the students. Often, my slide include fill-in-the-blank sentences about key points. The class can follow along on the board, but then they have to be active in the presentation by filling out vital information as they go. Very effective way to keep attention up. Although, sometimes students see it coming and try to fill in the blanks before I come to the slide. This can be distracting but I try to make the problems slightly vague and mysterious so they cannot just simply get the correct answer right away.
Hi Manuel:
All media is helpful when used in the right environment. I think variety and lots of use of different media sources make for better learning outcomes, and also helps keep the interest and attention of students.
Regards, Barry
I try to mix it up. I start with the PP provided with the textbook then mix in my own additions. I also ad in videos and other graphics to help relay the material.
I my opinion selecting media for content delivery depends on the type of information being taught. I like to implement all types of media into my classroom. It keeps the classroom more interesting and the learning environment open and exciting.
Hi Derbe:
Good examples! All of these can be thought of as tools and every tool has a desired use. We don't use a hammer when a saw is nneded. So then, we don't use a discussion to illustrate writing skills, or PPT to perfect written exercises.
That said, the more variety, and combination of instructional media produces a better learning environment. So as teachers, we have to be both selective and creative when planning our lessons.
Regards, Barry
Hi Barbara:
Instructional media be it a little or a lot should support the learning objectives and be tools that enhance the lessons and make them more enjoyable and interesting.
I agree PPT can slippery. I really prefer my customized slides. Integrating these with whiteboad, discussion, and class exercises allows me to engage and invlove the students in their learning.
I try to get the students do as much of the teaching (learning) as I can; this typically occurs later in the class but I feel encourages long term memory, participation, and more opportunity for critical thinking.
Regards, Barry
I use pp presentations that i make pertaining to subject matter.
My selection of media for content delivery varies from class to class.
While the publishers provide instructor resources for assistance in presentation, I am very careful not to let them be a crutch for me.
PowerPoint presentations are an area where careful application is necessary. If the slides are powerful, animated, catchy, then they are a plus; if they are bulleted items with no graphics and just words upon words, then that is something I shy away from.
The same goes with study materials provided on the website of the publisher for students. They can be fun and engaging in the beginning; but, like anything else, if they are used over and over in exactly the same way as provided, is is boring.
The part I enjoy most about teaching is the allowance for instructor creativity and ownership of the classroom. If you are a theatrical person in any sense, you can bring that into the class.
Having a boiler plate method of instruction lends itself to boredom; I like to keep the students on their feet - not knowing what to expect. This, in an organized way, obvously!
Media selection depends on the course you are teaching. For example you use white board a lot for Math, powerpoint to display Anatomy of human beings, Audio equipments for English classes, tools and parts to show hands on learning and flash cards for vocabulary.
It is also good practice to vary media because some students are visual learners, some learn it more by hearing and reading and some by doing it.
I think about what the content is and how I might feel if I were sitting in the lecture. Basically what i think I would be engaged by
Hi Megan:
What I like the best here is that you're describing using a variety of approaches, which will ideally facilitate every type of learning style.
Regards, Barry
Hi Vicki:
Using a combination of media in the way you describe is sure to address more than one type of student learner. Using a combination of teaching methods is considered by many to be the most effective teaching style.
Regards, Barry
