Every class is unique
It seems that every class is a little diffrent so often what worked with the previous class will not work with the current class because of diffrent learning styles, attention spans and intrest in the subject in general. How long does it take you to get a feel for wht works and what doesnt for a new class? It usually takes me about a week to get a good read on all of the students.
Hi Laura,
Good point. I am always amazed that it is the same class as before but due to the personalities and dynamics of the class it can be completely different in terms of what works or how the students will react to the content. This is what makes teaching fun. Each course is unique.
Gary
I agree. Each new class has their own collective personality. It usually takes me between 2 and 4 weeks to (somewhat) fully understand that personality and how to deal with the class as a whole.
Hi Cindy,
It is amazing how different the students can be as they work their way through their training. I commend you for your ability to adapt to the needs of your students. Some have vision and other are incremental in their learning as well as their willingness to expend energy on their courses.
Gary
I agree with you here. I teach a clinical course. My previous group thrived on automomy and setting their own pace. You told them what they needed to do and they without fail found a way to accomplish it. My current group is just as talented and intelligent I'm certain, but they need to be told step by step specifically what to do. They do nothing more and nothing less that what is specifically mentioned to them. Needless to say, my teaching tools and methods vary from group to group.
I really like my student, I learn from them as well as they learn from me
I agree with you John. I have a new class every three weeks. You would think teaching a class every three weeks would be the same and repetition sets in for the course content, but the students are different. No two students are the same which makes every class unique. It also takes me about a week to feel out the class and see what types of learners are in the class. I think the reason it takes about a week is because the students are also trying to get a feel for the instructor.
Hi Gary,
There are several different name games you can use. One I really like and works very well for me is to have the students spend a few minutes talking with the person to their right. Then have the students introduce the person to their right, giving their names and some significant fact about them that they have shared. This serves as an "ice breaker" for the students plus helping you as the instructor to remember names. As the names are given you then can associate the name with the given fact, such as where the student is from, experiences they have had, etc.
All of this builds a connection between the students' names and their facts. This helps you to remember their names much easier rather than just having them give their names.
Gary
Thanks, Greg! When I've done that as well it has been a motivational factor for myself and my students.
Jay Hollowell
MaxKnowledge Facilitator
What is the name game to help learn the students names?
Thanks, Gary
Every class is different, I used to dread the first day, a whole new list of students,new names new groups, and so on. But now I look forward to the new start, I now play the name game ,and see how many I can learn the quickest. What their intrests are and where they plan on going from here.
I agree with the Uniqueness of each class.
It usually takes me a week also and then we only have them for two more. Keeps us on our toes but might be better if the students had one instructor for a longer period of time.
