supplemental material
I'm wondering how much supplemental material can play a part in Gen Ed classes such as Prep English or Math 101. Do any of you have ideas you're currently using? So much of what we do is limited by the abilities of our students, in addition to the time constraints of the course.
I, too, teach English and the school has recently adopted a new English book. I had no say in the selection, and when I began to explore it I found the book was very elementary for my and my students' needs. I have become vey comfortable using second sources plus my own knowledge base. I also teach developmental English and since my students are usually lacking in basic skills I don't do as much supplementing. I do make games that address the skill I am trying to teach.
In my teaching environment, myself as well as my students often go to the internet to locate additional supplemental material. I suggest a subject for them to locate for classroom discussion, and/or for a homework assignment. I generally suggest a subject that may meet the immediate requirement. if the student doesn't have access to the internet they can use the schools computer lab to access the necessary information.
Ms. Lori
Ask students to stop and just look at what may be hidden before their eyes. I teach 10-key and also find that many of my students present with limited math skills. I would like to give you potential solutions to two issues which give many of my students a great deal of difficulty. The first issue is dealing with turning fractions into decimals and the second issue is remembering place values.
With fractions to decimals,I simply ask them to look at the problem on the board and work with the numbers/symbols exactly as they are represented. I tell them to remember that "/" is a division symbol. After that hint several light bulbs seem to go on in the classroom.
I have them look at place value in terms of monetary value. For example, .01 = how many cents, 3.00 equals how many one dollar bills. Have your students literally say 3 one dollar bills. For some reason this seems to work well for them. I hope these ideas, though simple, are useful for you.
Cheryl
Hi Lori,
I select supplemental material for my courses based upon two needs. The needs of the students to help them succeed. I use graphic organizers and structured outlines to help the students grasp the key concepts without overwhelming them with content. The other materials are selected based upon what is missing from the textbooks and/or changes in the field. They help to add to the knowledge base of the students. The first help make my job easier and keep the students engaged in the class and the second reason adds to their knowledge base.
Gary
