in the HVAC courses i teach i ask that the students currently working in the field to take pics of the jobs they've worked on and bring them in so i can put them up on the big screen and allow that student to explain to the class what type of system they installed how it works and what the overall job was like.
those students not working in the field to go home and take pictures of their own heating or cooling systems so we can do the same for them.
the students learn alot from it and see real world job pics not staged textbook photos.
Robert,
Great to hear about how this new approach is impacting your instructional delivery. I am excited for you and your students as you use this method to get them engaged and applying what they are being taught.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
This Mod I tried something new I moved all the tables around and teach as a group discussion. I also gave all of my students titles of Office Mangers and I am the Regional Manager. Hoping to gain their input and to get them to think differently. Also they have more responsibilties to keep up with. So far this has improved the class
I use games a lot in my classes for many reason that you use them.They really get the students involved for guizzes.
I'm an instructor at a technical school. Using my experience in the field I've worked in for many years, I treat the students as a team that is working together for the common goal of gaining knowledge. I am the leader in the classroom but I make sure they know we are in it together. In that way they have no doubt that I am there to support them.
BRENDA,
This is a very important class management tool. By bringing in all students and having them contribute helps everyone to feel a part of the class and to know they are valued both as students and individuals.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
By engaging them, a lot of times you have those 3 or 4 students who dominate the conversations or class discussions. I like to ask those who you don't general hear from and get them involved in the conversation as well, this helps them feel like they are important.
Brenda
Robert,
Not sure what you mean by this can you expand on this point? Thanks.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Jason,
Two way feedback is essential. You providing it to your students and they in turn providing it to you about course projects and activities. This helps to build rapport and respect between them and yourself.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
By providing positive feedback, call out their names, if they have a wrong answer, politely give the right answer and explain why their answer was wrong in a way not to offend the student
Great Judy,
I am not only allowing them to exchange phone and emails, I make sure that I take theirs. This will make the students feel that they are part of a big cohort where each player try to contribute positively. One terrible obstacle to that is when you are not able to deliver on your promises, for instance if you know that you don't have time and you are too busy to returning to your students inquiries do not even try the emails/phone strategy.
Natalie,
Good strategies and good balance in getting every student to participate in the instructional process. It is so important for each student to be a part of the class and unless we work at it, it is easy to let some students slip to the bottom without contributing to the class.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Bruce,
One of the main ways to increase learning is through the asking of questions so the more you can help your students to ask questions without feeling like they are going to thought of as being ill prepared the better. Questioning and listening are two great ways that we all learn throughout our lives.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
-Structuring a variety of class activities ranging from small group work to larger whole-class discussions.
-Effective classroom management techniques which make sure no student monopolizes speaking time, and encourage quieter or reluctant students to participate.
Get the student involved by coaching them to know it is OK to ask questions and more important to know the answer they received from the instructor did answer their question and if they still do not understand ask more questions until the get the understanding that works for them.
Cynthia,
This is a good strategy to use because it helps to create value to both the course and the life experiences of the students. Combined this is a setting for enhanced learning for every student.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Students each have experiences they can share relating to topics in class. My strategy to make students feel part of the class is to call on them to share their stories. Often this requires leading them into how their experience relates to the topic.
Richard,
I use games a lot in my classes for many of the same reasons that you use them. They really get the students involved and they make reviewing for quizzes much more fun.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I too find that playing a game can be a great way to review the material. This provides a low-stress, fun way for students to assess their knowledge. It also gives me a sense of where I need to focus during the wrap-up.
