Provide storied reality and relativity early on and throughout the class to what the students may be feeling, incorporate life experiences and what they learn from the course will directly effect their future cognitive approach to working a potential crisis.
Two words "Compliment Sandwich". Yum! My culinary students can taste and easily see the mistakes because they are physical not abstract, cerebral or philosophical. "Too much salt, not enough lemon?" Easy, "don't take my word for it, taste it yourself". Does it taste like the best hollandaise sauce you've ever had or close to it; no, then try again. Cookies not golden brown enough? Cook them more. I also tell them mistakes, not necessarily successes, are an invaluable source of insight, learning and growth. Thomas Edison invented 1000 light bulbs before one finally worked. I also have other students weigh in on each other’s work, in a structured format, so they can develop their own abilities to articulate culinary feedback and form objective consensus in a culinary environment.
Hi Damon,
What are some ways you give feedback to your students that have been effective? Thanks in advance for your input on this.
Gary
I try to create constant connections between curricula and my personal experience in the field. Additionally, fair and constructive feedback is a must.
Hi Melissa,
Good strategy! Your students will be only excited about the course as you are. If you are enthusiastic about your course it will go a long way, as you know toward getting the students ramped up as well. I teach a higher level required course so my students aren't exactly thrilled at having to take the course. I have to work very hard to win them over to seeing the value of what I am teaching. When I am able to do that it makes my preparation time well worth it.
Gary
I get very animated in class, sometimes as animated as spoke persons in info-comercials. I ask many questions throughout the class; as students give their opinions it motivates other students to respond to each other.
By sharing personal experiences where what they are learning was applied with success.
I always come to class with a positive attitude and try to greet each student by name at the beginning of class. I try to show my energy and enthusizism in my voice and actions. All my classes see this same level of energy so they know I am not "faking it." I do an ice breaker game at the beginning of each quarter to learn more about my students and do my best to incorporate their skill sets and knowledge bases into the classroom discussions.
Not only know your subject but have passion regarding the passing on about this topic. When you are real...it shows.
by covering life experinces alonside daily lectures
I set goals, at the beginning of class
I sometimes try be a mentor
and don't uses tests as an end in self
come to class with a smile on your face
have all the book and papers needed for each class.
Being early and prepared sets a good tone. I feel more confident as I can interact with the students before class, they engage more readily with me as I begin instruction, and the interaction is motivating for both of us.
I often teach introductory classes. I try to get the student to understand that my course is a building block for everything that is yet to come. That thinking and visualizing are critical cogs in the chain.
Know your students and pick one or two with appropriate experiences who can add content to your lectures and have them share their own experiences.
Some of the ways I motivate are to share some of my professional experience in the class. I will show a powerpoint on a recent business trip to China showing the culture, the environment and the business practices and ask students to share some of their own global travel experiences. I am attempting to encourage the students to think globally when they are considering the jobs they may pursue upon completing their degree.
I can be enthusiastic in discussing the topics I teach. I can encourage my students, through feedback, and help them through the learning process. I can be empathetic toward my students when necessary. I can encourage my students to provide personal examples of what is relevant to the course material, by sharing my own experiences.
The instructor must gain a rapport with the students and a feeling of mutual respect. I try to explain what I’m going to teach and why it is important to their education. I relate the topic to real world events and try to show how they may need to know this knowledge in their work or personal lives. I try to be friendly and use humor to relax the students and I ask questions and engage them as much as possible.
I have always used enthusiasm as a motivator in my classes. I think it comes from liking people and having a desire to learn myself. I have never taught a course in which I haven’t learned something new myself. I like trying new approaches to learning and I always keep the ones that work.
Hi T.J.,
So true. We, instructors have to put on our game faces and be excited about what we are teaching. To do otherwise is to be less than professional and is discouraging to the students.
Gary
