Selecting Course Content
What are some ways you go about selecting content for your course? If you are given standardized course content, how do you personalize it to your instructional style and the needs of your students?
I follow the syllabus for the course and select activities that will reinforce the content and meet the objectives or outcomes for the course. These will vary depending on the material or subject matter being addressed in the course.
I often use case studies and practical application exercises that require the student to be able to abstract, interpret, and evaluate information, utilizing current and prior course knowledge.
When given required course content, I try to . my knowledge and experiences with the lesson I'm going to be teaching. Not only that, I try to tie what is being taught to the level of experience that the students have. I begin by building a foundation and then developing it throughout the course so that the students are able to understand the subject matter better.
James,
As a veteran instructor, I can say that selecting content can be similar to shopping at a grocery store. It is important to begin with your essentials (items based on the course learning objectives) and then move onto the items that good to have however not as essential (course concepts that can serve a purpose in assisting students with understanding content, however may not fit within the timeframe of the class-perhaps they could be added to the student portal). Please excuse the analogy, however I hope it helps!
Tremayne Simpson
I haven't been teaching very long and I have been struggling with ways to select content. I will have to say this is one of the better and easier ways to understand and pick the content I have read. Thanks.
Lisa,
This is an interesting dynamic. Have you consulted the program chair, to see if there is a possibility to change the course textbook?
Tremayne Simpson
I agree with many ideas that others have posted here - I definitely make sure my students can identify the stuff they NEED to know, then I provide anecdotes to my students to show them how the information presented relates, or is applied, to 'real life' situations.
When selecting course content it is important to consult the syllabus to determine what the course objectives are.
The course I am teaching has the syllabus in contradiction with the book I am required to teach from. The objectives according to they syllabus are not covered in the book. I therefore am required to utilize outside resources to be sure and cover the topics on the syllabus.
I try to pick content that is short in length, somewhat entertaining, and has educational value. Since I have a responsibility of creating courses that I will not be the one with the students (I do curriculum design) I try to keep it as well rounded as possible. I also try and make sure there is enough content that the actual instructor can either show/hide some of the extra's based on the needs and level of understanding of their students.
-Chris
Michael,
With a truncated amount of class time, I feel that it is best to summarize the key topics of the unit and assign the additional material for homework. It is not the best use of time, to completely review each assigned chapter...in a college level course this should be expected of the students.
Tremayne Simpson
Douglas,
You are not alone...this is a common issue for instructors. We all tend to try to "do too much", because we want to ensure that our students receive a premium learning experience in our courses. The key is to ensure that the students are able to retain and apply the information that we provide them with.
Tremayne Simpson
I am new to teaching as well. Actually, at the time of this post, I am one week into it. I am teaching 2 courses and they both are given 2 evenings per week for 2.5 hours. I had prepared lectures and at times found myself instructing the students - you need to know this, this is good to know, and don't worry about this stuff to much, if at all. It is good to hear from someone with experience that I am not too far off. I have prepared my week 2 lectures/lesson plans based upon my Week 1 experiences - concentrating on the stuff that the students really need to know and not trying to cover the whole Chapter in 2.5 hours.
I review the learning objectives of the course and see what is contained in the course text or readings. If there is something that can be used to augment the course material, I try to find ways to incorporate it, if appropriate. Sometimes more is just more. I have the tendency to try to do too much.
Donald,
I am new to teaching and I Love it. The way you summarized: Must knows, Nice to knows, and Stories are great!! Thanks
I have only been teaching clinicals at this point ( Dental Hygiene) and this comes very natural to me, so how can I improve my clinical time to help the students. I think I am doing well but could use some tips and ideas. I look forward to teaching a actual class.
As a vocational nursing instructor,first I look at the basic information neccessary to build a foundation in the topic that I'm teaching. Then I refer to NCLEX study guide to determine the most important topic to discuss because these topics may show up on the students licensure exam.
On day have every student introduce themselves to the rest of the class and speak about what professional goals they wish to achieve with their degree.
After I use active learning strategies such as having every student present a short reflective self and team performance assessment after a lab.
Walt,
Professional development opportunities, are key to keeping the classroom content "fresh" and connecting instructors back to their industry.
Tremayne Simpson
Robert,
Providing real world examples, into the class discussion is a key component to student attendance and retention. If the students do not feel that they are receiving an authentic learning experience, they are more likely to not attend class sessions, regularly.
Tremayne Simpson
Jenni,
It is important to have a good rapport with other instructors. This gives instructors, the oppportunity to share ideas and concerns, without having to wait for quarterly faculty in-service sessions.
Tremayne Simpson
One way that I select course content and to continuously improve my curriculum is by attending technical sessions sponsored by the industry professional organization I belong to. Interfacing with industry professionals and equipment vendors allows me to stay ahead of the curve with respect to emerging technologies. My students really appreciate the effort I put into keeping my classes current.
With respect to standardized material, I do administer a standardized exam in my class. My judicious review of the material provides a venue for personalizing the material for the students which makes the entire process go more smoothly for them.
