Tina,
This is a great method for selecting course content. I have also found that simply delivering a lesson via PowerPoint or "Prezi", can be effective in engaging the students. In any case, usage of visual imagery or diagrams are a great way to illustrate important points in the lecture.
Tremayne Simpson
I teach anatomy and physiology and medical terminology and I draw on 23 years of being a practicing physician. I give case histories and patient examples.
I try to make the content as applicable to "real life" practices as possible. For example, having a guest speaker come and talk about how they manage a healthcare office efficiently. This "real life" experience is helpful to the student in putting into perspective issues about office management.
When selecting a course content in any subject that I am ask to teach, I begin by reveiwing the syllabus, and become familiar with the book I am teaching from.
Once I have reviewed all the material I try to figure a enique way to present the information that is needed for the student to obtain the course objective. The method could be powerpoint presentations, on hand training, or example of how this information will benefit the student when he/she is working in the feild they are training.
Every course I have taught I try to engage all my student in a general conversation to see what interest them most wheater it is ICD-9 coding,or law and ethic. No matter what class I always try to bring an unusal learning tool to help them unserstand better.
Adel ,
This is a great method for enhancing the classroom demonstration. Instructors generally have several roles for their students and "entertainer" is usually one of those roles. In order to keep them attentive during the lecture, I find that "pop cultural" references are very important and they can really "spark" the students' interest in the subject.
Tremayne Simpson
I make sure to use or reference current, relevant media such as magazines or television to personalize it. For culinary students, I'll discuss popular shows such as Top Chef or Iron Chef and bring in magazines such as Saveur and Food and Wine. That way I can refer to a specific article or episode where items similar to what we are working on in class are being made and the topics become more real.
eric,
I agree that it is important to understand the content that is being delivered by fellow instructors. As I mentioned earlier in the post, instructor collaboration ensures that the students are receiving similar educational experiences, in every section of the course.
Tremayne Simpson
I too like to keep track of what other instructers are covering . I believe that staying consistent with others keeps a good learning place .I also think about adding content of real life value this can make a big difference. Students like relations of real life experience and values they can grasp.
I like to make my own power points. I can cover all the material, but do it in a way the suits the needs of my students, and my teaching style.
Lisa,
This is a great method for assessing your students' comfort level with the subject matter. Do you provide your students with a formal assessment (for prior knowledge)when you begin your class?
Tremayne Simpson
When reviewing the material I need to present to my students I research which courses were presented to them previously and how they each like the material presented to them. Most students that I have in my classes will let me know if they are more of a hands on person or if they prefer to work in groups or are more comfortable with computer base learning or through the textbook. Most students I find like the hands on approach and I build my course content around this learning method. Lecture and reading do work around the hands on, but again having your students involved in their own learning makes the course move smoothly.
When selecting content, I try to have several topics or simple concepts taken from the stanardized content.I introduce them and see what feedback the students offer.
I have standardized course content. What I try and do is to provide more detail on the subject areas thru my own research. These areas of detail are geared towards practical real life scenarios that I know the students will encounter.
As a former employee of the manufacturer who sponsors the course I teach I am able to draw on the material and contacts I had during 15 years at that company. Also, since my former position was support, I was able to see areas where the existing techs were deficient and try to emphasize those areas in the curriculum
Warren,
In addition to this method, it is also a good idea to collaborate with the instructors that teach the pre-requisites of your class. Building a working relationship with those instructors, will ensure that the classes are aligned and that the students are well-prepared when they enroll in your course.
Thank you for your post.
Tremayne Simpson
In our school we teach in three week blocks. It's helpful to know what the previous courses cover in addition to adding my own personal experience to the material. I'll often ask the class about a specific term or topic to find out how much the previous instructors covered.
denise,
This is a great way to create a bond with the other instructors and to discuss "best practices" in course instruction. Also, the students will be see consistency in grading measurements, because many of their instructor share and discuss their assessment tools.
Thank you for your post.
Tremayne Simpson
I like to meet all of the other instructors that have taught the course I am going to teach. Most of them are very helpful with their past assignments and rubrics. Then I work from there to personalize and adjust for each class.
