Selecting Supplemental Materials
As an adjunct instructor that teaches both campus-based as well as online courses, I find that selecting supplemental materials for each course is just as important as the course text itself. In fact, I've discovered that adult students are typically more interested in articles that share relevant business experiences rather an some dry information in a textbook.
Do you have any recommendations regarding sources where instructors can locate supplemental materials?
Bianca,
I would use guided notes to supplement the use of the PPs. You can print the PPs with notes lines beside each slide and this way the students can put the important points on the lines to help them when they review and study later. Also, I would only go for 15-20 minutes in covering the slides and then have a discussion, small group activity, role play or case study to reinforce what has just been covered. This way you won't overload your students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I utilize powerpoints as supplemental material, whats the best way to prepare it without overloading my students?
Stephen,
I like your use of outside current materials. I bring into class a lot of articles that speak to what we are studying. The students really like going through the materials. It isn't very long before they start to bring in articles themselves and this is when I know I have achieved my goal of helping them make applications outside of the classroom.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I have found that supplemental materials have been very effective in supporting the overall course objectives. In many cases, I'm able to integrate more practical "real world" applications into my curriculum via outside materials by assigning weekly readings with follow-up questions. The outside resources tend to offer a more current, thus relevant approach to learning which in turn keeps them more engaged in the process.
Christie,
I am a big fan of using case studies as well. They get the students thinking and problem solving which is what they are going to have to do when they are out in the field. You are also helping to keep your students current in the field by using case studies that you have experienced or became aware of.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I use current medical case studies off the internet and personal situations. Students remember the information more easily when certain situations come up.
Donna,
I use field trips as well with great results. When I have graduates come in and speak to my classes my students get really ramped up about the course and then when I take them out to the work sites they REALLY get excited. This sets the stage for successful learning.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I teach in the dental profession. I find that bringing in my dental journals and reading some articles to the class is helpful. Field trips are also helpful in obtaining supplemental material.
Antonette,
Good caution to share but I like you use a lot of supplemental material to reinforce the content I am sharing with my students. They like the handouts because they know they are the most current material in the field.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
It is a good idea to give supplemental materials to the students, but we have to be very selective, they may not be related to the topic or it is beyond your objectives that students might be confuse. But, it is still a good tool to
students who needs more detailed explanation. Sometimes pictures, activity book is helpful as well. I am in the dental field, I used my dental representative for supplemental ideas.
Rosa,
Good strategy. In addition, by sharing these resources with your students you are helping them to learn about the resources they have available to use when they are out in the field.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I teach in the medical profession and I find that the best resourses come from within the community. There are many that are free and easy to get. I enjoy sharing these with the students also.
A lot of that would depend on the course you teach and the amount of Industry experience you have. Teaching 'Intro to Networks", I always used what I, as a participate in the industry, would read for my own professional curiosity.
David,
I would suggest you contact professional organizations within your field. I find that most of these organizations have resources that they will share with students. These materials are current and well prepared so the students can quickly see the value of them and also they can learn about professional organizations they may want to join upon graduation and make a part of their professional development over the years.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
