- real life examples
- relate to students major
- class participation
- build rapport
Another benefit of bringing real life stories to the lecture is that, if they are based in your own experience, the student can relate themselves to their own future. They see themselves reflected in you the instructor. They start beleiving that they can experience the same in the future when they are trained and skilled ready to go to the field.
Alex
Hi Angela,
"Connecting the dots" between a general required course and their career preparation is important. By keeping their interest you are showing them the value of knowledge outside of their specific field.
Gary
I remember this was important to me as a student. I teach a general ed course at a health care careers college and sometimes it can be difficult to tie my course in with their greater career goals but it seems to be an effective way to keep them interested.
Be very interactive and get total participation.
By lecturing in a variety of ways so that students will not get bored. Also, I like to do mini lectures to keep students attention.
keeping the lectures to specific or particular topics clear, concise, and short, with discussions if needed, there will be less confusion.
Hi Brandon,
With incorporation of all the strategies you mentioned I know you are going to be more effective in your lecturing while being more satisfied with the responses you get from your students. You are right about the video. Very effective, but humbling.
Gary
Preparing and delivering effective lectures, what I like to do is to use summary sheets to make sure I hit all the points that I want to cover in class. Although, I am interested in using the tree diagram. And in the effect of delivery, I have a bad habit of going straight into lecture instead of grabbing the students attention with an opening and I will start using this technique. I also liked announcing the objectives for the class, I will definitely be using that as well. I would like to video tape myself sometime giving a lecture, but as you stated it will be hard to watch myself.
i think by incorparating some visual aids and reading material,and ask them questions through out too see if they are paying atetion to what you are saying
I believe having the students add experiences and statements to the lectures help them stay motivated!
Being a hands on learner myself I strive to reach out to learners of varied learning conditions....
My family has also experienced challenged learning objectives. My own style of lecture is animated and brief and to the point. Attention spans in the industry for young people are brief. I have a ways to go with lectures. I enjoy them. However I find each a different challenge. Varied people and duplication of the lecture topics in the practical arena indicate this truth. When I am organized and confident so goes the student experience. Too much information at one time seems counter productive. All i all I am progressing nicely.
Hi Jennifer,
Right you are about bringing real life experiences into the classroom this really gets the students excited about their future. And who doesn't like looking at disgusting parasitology pictures. Fun fun.
Gary
I agree, my students seem to respond more when I link the lecture to a real life situation, or I show pictures, diagrams etc. It takes the lecture from an abstract form to something more tangible that they can realte to
I also found that when I'm combining my lectures with visuals, from handouts to life size dummies, to posters they tend to become more involved in the lecture.
I think the more "real-life" experiences that you can bring into a lecture will break up the drab rambling that lectures sometimes feel like. It also helps to add in some disgusting Parasitolgy pictures as well!!!
Gary,
Relating the course material to the 'real-world' specifically to some of my business experiences if possible
Dennis
Hi Lawrence,
Exactly! Students need to start developing the skills that are needed to separate them from the herd. By being prepared and ready to respond they show they have the confidence and desire to take leadership in answering questions or responding to problem situations.
Gary
I love this method of teaching. It keeps the students interested and involved. It is too easy for student to go into "trance mode", especially during night classes. It reminds me of the driving rule, that if on long trips, you should be sure to shift your focus and look around you from time to time to stay alert. Walking around the room, and shifting eye contact gives the students a more personal experience. It makes them feel you are speaking more directly to them, rather than to the general audience.
It also allows you to see what they are doing, whether taking notes, or scribbling, etc. That really discourages them from distracting activities.
I too like this method of walking around the classroom. I believe this is somewhat like the term, "managing by walking around", which I use in my department as I have 20 direct reports in my primary career. Students do need to see that your are in charge and interested in them listening to your message. Never know, they can be called on at any moment, so it would be wise to pay attention!
