I like to observe and listen to the students so i may find ways to help with my approach for delivering the curriculim.
I also like to get a feel for the chemistry in the room. What works for one group of learners might not work for the next.
I ask the students on the first day of class to tell me about them selves, what they drive what they like, how many classes they’ve already attended here and do the have any field experience. This gives me an idea how diverse the students are. From there I can tailor the lesson to the class.
Showing enthusiasm for a particular course, makes teaching the students very enjoyable. I find that students are more likely to stay in class and be more engaged with learning.
Hi Trevor,
I use a baseline assessment as well and I have the same results as you. The information shows me what the knowledge base if of my students so I can plan my content from there. Really helps me to target my instruction.
Gary
I have just recently started using a base assesment test in the course that I teach and I am finding that it is very helpful in finding what areas that certian students need a little refreshing in before adding the additional information on to what they should already know, I am sure this will help them to better suceed.
yes being able to listen to the students not only for class but for what they have going on in there lives is very important and shows that you care
Hi John,
They have to assume responsibility sometime and being students in a career college where they are preparing for a career is an excellent place to start. They have to put forth the effort if they are going to achieve any kind of career success so as students they need to be asked to do just that.
Gary
I give an assesment test on base knowledge.
probably the realization that every thing they are going to learn will not be given to tham. they will have to take notes ,they will have to draw pictures that i draw and that they will have to do some kind of studying . we are not doing any students justice by teaching them the tests and spoon feeding them , not making them respomnsible.or accountable
I ask questions as to what the students might feel as though they need to help them to learn the topics. I also ask what they expect to learn from the course.
Hi Rob,
This is why I always have a number of activities and ice breakers the first night of class. I want the students talking, getting to know each other and getting a feel for the class. I am giving them their first impression of how the course is going to go. Through the ice breakers and activities the students don't get to set in their seats and not interact with each other and myself. This really sets the tone for classes to come.
Gary
If on the first day of class your students were very quiet, how would you change your delivery?
The students are making their own assessments of the class, beginning with you as their instructor. By the end of that 1st class, they have their own idea of how hard the class is going to be, how much time they think will be necessary for homework and so forth.
