I constantly update my lectures with the latest environmental news from various news service websites. There is so much happening now in the environmental field that my lectures always change from semester to semester, and sometimes within the same week.
I use a number of case studies and provide opportunities for class discussion of the cases, as well as written responses to a few question related to each case. In so doing, the students can read and respond to real-life scenarios involving companies and businesses that they have heard about in recent news reports.
Students often come in with different backgrounds and various set skills. It would be boring for them to go over things they have already learned. So I show them new alternative ways as well as new techniques. If I see that most of my students know the lecture, I throw in a group activity or a small research to keep it a bit more challenging and interesting. I always try to mix up delivey methods, to make sure the students don'g get bored and that I cater to various learning styles. I also get feedback from them to make sure I meet their needs and expectations. I never ask them to put their name on the surveys to make sure they are honest. I have gotten very helpful feedback in the past and after implementing it, I got great results.
Hi Faith,
This approach really helps the students to see the relevancy and application of what they have learned. The key is immediate application of newly acquired knowledge and this is what you are doing with your approach.
Gary
I keep my own training up to date by attending seminars and conferences, and learn about new technologies as they relate to the subject I am teaching. By doing this, I can always present the latest facts and obserrvations related to the course material.
we first go thru the lecture of what they are learning about and then we use it in a lab setting example if lecture is on the lungs and how they work the the lab is actually seeing the lungs and how they work.
Hi Jodi,
Great activity. With something about vaccinations in the news almost every day I am sure you generated some great discussion as well as projects. This is a good way of bringing the real world into the classroom in a subject that would on the surface appear to be more rote than application. Keep up the good work.
Gary
I have used current topics in the news regarding vaccinations when we were learning that unit in my Pharmacology class. I had the students learn about both sides of the issue and write a short paper on which side they were on. It got a very good discussion going. I also assigned them each a different required vaccination and tell me all they could find out about that vaccination. They got to work together and individually with the projects.
I make sure that I keep currnet with the latest information and trends in technology. Besides teaching, I am also constantly working in the design field which helps me see what is going on and bring those ideas to class. When I learn something new, I share that with my students and encourage them to find new information and share it in class as well. This helps them to be involved in learning as well as hear each other's opinions (besides just mine). Discussons are a great way to introduce new topics.
Hi Laura,
Good job in doing a side by side so you can be consistent in your course offerings. This way you can do more in-depth planning of activities and discussions without the fear of leaving something out.
Gary
having been in my field for many years I know what skills students need to be successful. Pairing my knowledge with corporate driven learning outcomes I can tailor a series of classes to build upon skills learned. Reviewing the previous days work we can now set the students up for success with todays material as well as have a kind of case study situation wherein we address opportunities for improvement and discuss ways to overcome those.
I've looked at the objectives and the chapters in the book and compared and contrasted the two finding what is compatiable and what is not. From there I look for applicable exercises to end every lecture on so the students can better understand and put the lecture to use right away.
Hi George,
This is an excellent example of career diversity. You are providing a valuable service to your students by helping them to see other opportunities that exist. The chances for everyone to end up in Hollywood is very small but to work in the film industry in other settings and venues is much greater.
Gary
In regard to film I teach them things that they can actually use in the real world to survive. Not just how to work on a film set but also as independent freelancers in various kind of projects from corporate videos to special events like weddings. Most film schools only teach with the focus that you'll be working in Hollywood and that's just not the case.
I am constantly matching course content to the needs of the students. Sometimes I find that students do not have the background needed for a specific topic so I have to go back and review that with them. Since I teach many law courses I constantly have to revise content to include current legal issues and statutes.
Hi Jeff,
This is what makes your instruction real. Your students will see what you are teaching them is applicable to their careers.
Gary
Real-life examples of Doctor/Patient or Therapist/Client interactions. Demonstrations and show and tell using models.
Hi Michael,
I like your menu of opportunities that you are offering your students. They get to see many different ways of approaching the subject as well as reminders of upcoming deadlines and assignments.
Gary
I find that relating in the course material to "real-life" experiances and situations and emphasizing the tie-ins makes the content(as well as the necessity to apply it) more relevant to the students.
The first thing I do after covering the objectives of the lesson is to tell a story or give a real word example as to why the subject matter is important.
Next I engage them in a conversation to asses their familiarty with what's going to be discussed or demonstated.
I can then can make a decision as to how basic or detailed I need to get for the subject.
I try to vary delivery by writting the main
points on the board then bulleting the steps or main points
I will use props, humor, videos,or hands on to accomplish what is needed.
