I ask to sit in on other instructors that have a reputation for being very good instructors. I almost always find a method or strategy that I had not thought of.
Hi Marie,
I think that the use of PowerPoint in the delivery of text can get the results from the students just as you describe them.
What I have found is that through the use of graphics, videos, and pictures I can effectively keep the students engaged in learning while using PP. It is like any other form of media it has to be used correctly and not as a crutch. Unfortunately in many situations it has and is being used as if it were a page from the textbook only being shown on the screen.
Gary
I teach general education classes. In developing my instructional style, I pay particular attention to daily student feedback in the classroom and their evaluations of me at the end of the term. Through this feedback, I've found that my students enjoy putting knowledge into use, collaborating with their peers, and learning to become leaders. Thus, though I love to lecture, I make sure that I leave plenty of time for group work with their peers, which requires them to demonstrate that they've learned the course objectives for that day. In addition, I also set aside time in each class for students to present the knowledge they've obtained. I tell them that this is their chance to shine. And though many of my students had voiced that they had severe problems with public speaking prior to their class with me, they were able to present effectively in my class and build their confidence with speaking in public in front of groups. Allowing them "to shine" in a supportive environment with their peers and instructor will help them when they are interviewing for career positions, as well as when they are hired as employees in their field.
I like to mimic instructors I know are successful in their mission. Also just keeping with the core mission of the school defines my style.
I don't know about the rest of you out there, but power point is passe'. The minute you dim the lights the text-messages start and eyes close. I think it is more of a crutch than a help.
I like to change the delivery method every 15 to 20 minutes. I use powerpoint, then do a worksheet, then discuss a experience I have had thatrelates to the topic, and from there try to get the students involved in their experiences.
Hi Laura,
Thank you for sharing these strategies with us. They are great and can be used by all instructors. The 5 things really help to keep things moving and the students involved. I know new instructors will really value having these additional activities available to them.
Gary
I have found that giving personal experiences, including personal feelings/thoughts, and integrating this into subject matter, draws attention of the students and encourages discussion. Using visualization for the students helps them to solidify what they are hearing as content.
Hi Julie,
I share the same thoughts and feelings with you. I took many online courses as well and taught few of them. I think, initially taking online class may seems difficult, but once get accustomed to it, it become much easier to manage the online class. To me, online classes are fascinating and wonderful as students get to interact with different people all over the country and even from other countries. Both instructors and students have certain responsibilities to make the online class more interesting, interactive, and successful for all participants. Thank you. Anwar
I totally agree with the mentor suggestion. I came into teaching about a year ago and though I am now confident in my abilities it took the guidance of a mentor to get me there. I talk with my mentor several times a week always asking for suggestions to improve my teaching.
I also work in a modular environment, we start new courses each month, which means that each month I get student evaluations back that help me to refine how I teach.
One of my favorite activities to do with my students after a lecture is to have them identify 5 things for me: 1. Something they feel they learned well 2. Something they are still confused about 3. If they could summarize the lecture in one phrase/sentence what would it be [and OPTIONAL 4 and 5] something they like about the course/teaching and something they do not like about it. - This activity helps me SO much!
I think this is wonderful. Although I am not teaching online, I have been an online student myself and some of my current students take courses online. Online teaching an learning can be a difficult shift.Insight has to be deeper and all participants must be self-aware. Body language, volume, and tone are not available. Clarity is of the utmost importance. Whether student, instructor or facilitator, "netiquette" should be instilled by some method and remain of high importance.
Hi Kim,
We currently have three courses that focus on online learning techniques for instructors. Later this summer we will be bringing 3 more courses online for a total of 6 courses devoted to online instruction.
I know you will gain much from taking these courses.
Gary
I would like to take several courses using teleconferencing methods so that I am able to better communicate with students and give them the one on one experience or the face to face experience. I am a first time teacher so I am exploring all avenues and I am already trying to take courses wherein I can enhance the learning experience for my students.
Since students come from a variety of backgrounds and have different ways of learning, my style is to use flexibility in my teaching as well as be able to tailor my teaching style to the course content to a specific event in student-teaching experience.
I like to provide several different methods of learning, for example have student participate in small group activity after a lecture, to allow the students to discuss the objectives and other points they have learned as well as provide them the opportunity to apply the information.
Be open minded and curious. Don't be afraid to try something new.
Techniques or tools that I can employ to further develop, refine or enhance my instructional style include asking other faculty members about how they found their style, keep abreast of current standards in my field by subscribing to professional material and membership in groups that are related to my area of expertise and lastly use course exit survey's to see how the students felt I presented the material.
i like to stay current on fashion magazines. Hair trends are the focus on all the models. It keeps me updated on whats happening for the next season, which lets me discuss it with the students on how to achieve the look.
Generally, I like to have students spend the majority of time learning from one another. However, it's important to make sure they are on topic and going towards the right path. Reading all posts is very important in this regard. It allows me to encourage students who are on the right path and have a clear understanding of the material, while having the ability to pick out those who may be wondering away from the conversation or are not participating substantively. I like to push students further by asking leading questions and creating a dynamic discussion. This will keep the discussion from becoming inactive. Furthermore, my contribution in discussion will model active and substantive participation which can set the tone for the rest of the class as well as give them an idea on how to communicate using proper Netiquette.
Of course, as with any class, expectations regarding behavior and participation have to be made clear from the get go. In my faculty expectations I like to mention Netiquette and respect for the online learning environment.
Hi Al,
With your extensive background experiences I know you can share a story or event that fits almost every situation. This really gets the attention of your students. In addition, much of your work involved working with the emotional and social aspects of humans. By bringing this expertise into the classroom your students leave with a balance of both skills and knowledge. Thank you for sharing this with us.
Gary
