As an instructor with somewhat limited experience, I have relied on the 14-year experience of my dept chair who shares her lesson plans with me, and has allowed me to "shadow" her in every single class that I am currently teaching. I went through every class as a her "student" -- taking many notes about what the most important points are -- that I use to focus my teaching. My dept chair and I consult regularly to assess how I am doing with the teaching part, and I am evaluated by the student's scores in my classes, as well as their written reactions to questions about how well they liked the class. I have been able to develop confidence in my own teaching style -- but rely on my dept chair's decisions about the important concepts to cover in each class. She also helps me plan the amount of time required for each concept -- and what needs to be covered in each class session. My success is because of her valuable guidance and experience.
I teach a several courses with 2 and 3 hours of class time. I have trouble with 3 hours course because the students loose interest easily. To help with this I devote a lot of time to Q & A and real life experiences form myself and the students. I do impromptu role playing of situations. Would love to hear any other ideas others have.
This has been a challenge for me as I am a new instructor teaching a 3 hour course in Oral Pathology. Three hours of straight lecture is not beneficial to either the students or myself! I am currently experimenting with various activities such as some class time computer lab use; students working in groups of 3 or 4 to present sections of the text to the rest of the class (in their own words; students creating flash cards for future classes as well as for their own studies. The different activities have resulted in various degrees of success and engagement, but it is an interesting and fun learning experience for me as a new instructor. What works...what doesn't work as well-
I really appreciate this comment. Your ideas are really good and I think I will try them in my classes. I am a list maker so any chance to make another list is good for me.
I feel that in most of my classes there is not enough time to cover all of the material. However, I always have an internet or dvd film ready incase things finish up early.
Richard,
I agree with the importance of allowing students to ask questions at the end of class. If students leave the class session confused about a particular topic, it will be difficult for them to complete the accompanying assignment.
Tremayne Simpson
Richard,
I agree with the importance of allowing students to ask questions at the end of class. If students leave the class session confused about a particular topic, it will be difficult for them to complete the accompanying assignment.
Tremayne Simpson
Staying focused allowing students to ask questions at end of class so not to use up valuable time
Brandi,
Embedding discussion questions, within your PowerPoint slide is an effective method for student engagement. Instead of them simply taking notes on the text that is provided, they can take time to reflect and apply the learned material, with their answer to the given question. PowerPoint presentations should not limit active, classroom discussion.
Tremayne Simpson
I try to add an extra "just in case" activity, as well. I've found that it never hurts to have a back-up plan!
I usually overplan my classes. I have 2 hours per class meeting to review, lecture and assess the students in my classes. Usually I create lectures in PowerPoint embedded with questions for discussion during the lecture and I ask those questions if I need to cover more time in class. But, if I don't have time, I don't ask them. Also, I try to have at least one activity, in-class assignment or discussion based question to further instill the topic of the day. This way I feel I can pick and choose what I want to do in class and change it if I want to.
Dr. Enrique,
I have also used this method, with PowerPoint presentations. It is a great way to implement discussion during the lecture and it gives the instructor an opportunity to "check-in" with student comprehension. Students seem to become preoccupied with trying to "take notes" from the PowerPoint slides and it is important to give them an opportunity to discuss the learned material.
Tremayne Simpson
I tend to "spot check" the students knowledge of what we have covered in class, especially when it can be related to new concepts, or if a lesson seems to be moving fast. Also, real world anecdotes are helpful in filling time and keeping student intrest.
I add Q&A time between my powerpoints slides to discuss the topics talked about, it serves as a review of what was just seen
Brenda,
Many instructors will agree that we all have had students with "procrastination" issues. I agree with provided more "in class" activities, in order to engage the students. However, it is important to continue to provide "outside of class" projects, which will enable students to improve their time management skills, in preparation for their future career.
Tremayne Simpson
Especially during the first week of class I try to have backup topics in the lesson plan in case things run short. With a new class you never know how fast they can absorb the material so having a backup lesson is always a good idea. And if you do see you went too fast in the begining reviewing the lesson for comprehension is always a good idea.
I find that my students don't respond well to deadlines. If I give a due date, they will wait until the very last second to do the work and then ask "when is this due?" It is easier if I give assignments as in class work that the students can work on in small groups. That way there is no confusion as to when it is due, all work gets turned in at the end of class.
My lecture and lab are combine so that I can allow hands on while lecture the chapter that relates to it.
Evangeline,
I have used this strategy for time management as well. Interestingly, an impromptu question and answer session, can prove to be an exceptional class experience. Sometimes the "unscripted" activities can prove to be the most engaging.
Tremayne Simpson
If I finish early I'll say something like let's review what we have discussed and hit the 2 or 3 main topics punctuated examples.To change things up I might have a questioned and answer session.
