Patricia, yes this is critical. I know this helps me in my world (online instructor). To have visuals is to have in most cases "the light appear". ;-)
Hello Darnell,
I believe firmly in visuals. I have found them to be extremely helpful in more ways than one.
Patricia
Hi Debra,
Nicely said. Give them a boost, but after the boost they must pick up and run with things.
Patricia
Hi Mathias,
I generally share PowerPoint handouts with my students based on various ways to perform a task, such as dealing with computers. I have seen that the students will refer to the handouts to accomplish a task that my be a different way of doing it from the book. Students are more comfortable when they have something to refer to when it's time to perform a task. Give the students something to refer to so that they are more receptive to the different ways of producing the same thing.
Patricia
Hi Mathias,
Students appreciate knowing up front what is expected of them. This tactic is very effective at holding students accountable.
Patricia
Hi Patracia,
I have found that in my short time of teaching that by getting the students involved in one anothers dream of why they are inrolled in school to begin with it motivates each student seperatley. In the begining of each class term, I explain what my expectation are and when all student assignments are due. Throughtout the term I explain how I would grade myself as well as both positive and negetive criticism of the students.
Hi Patricia,
I couldn't agree with you more. I use my text book as a sort of reminder to myself of what to teach, and as a guideline. I try to incorporate what I've learned being in the business for 20 years along with the structure that the book is offering to the students. After one of my lectures/demonstrations, I often see the students doing exactly what the book is telling them to do, althought it may differ from how I explained. How do I get the student to be open to the different way of producing the same thing?
It is true that sometimes students want everything handed to them, instead of doing some discovery on their own. Instructors must be aware of all types of learnings and provide information in every way that would account for all the types of learners in the class. Your strategy is good. I believe in giving them enough to start but encourage to dig a little deeper so when they complete their work, they can demonstrate their level of competency for different skill sets, research, critical thinking, and writing.
I use try to provide them with resource materials to help identify some of the areas that will be touched upon. I also use visuals that help as well.
Hi Diane,
It is very important for students to have a physical reminder of why they are in school and what they are working toward. A student will definitely lose all focus and interest if they don't see the relevance of why they are in school and what they are working toward. As educators, we must keep our students motivated and interested.
Patricia
The students have to be able to find signifigance in the material that is being covered. By means of providing real world examples, the students find meaning in the material and can see the importance. Its also helpful to have the students share their similar experiences with the class (reinforces the idea that we are a group). Once this happens, the students feel things are making sense and it helps them to feel confident and empowered which leads to excitment. I also feel it is important for students to set goals and refer to them over the course of their education. It is a physical reminder of why they are in school and what they are working toward.
Hello Debra,
It is important to engage the student. It is also important for students to know that they are being instructed by a SME. Credibility is granted to the course as well as the institution if the student is being taught by a SME.
Patricia
I have not facilitated a course before, but will in October. From what I have seen from our faculty is how they engage the students. For example, Some instructors talk a little about themselves, so student feel comfortable that they are being instructed by a SME, which adds value to the course. Additionally, explaining how this course fits into the program, and what they can expect in future courses. When having a first chat, discussion the course requirements and make sure that everyone understands their expectations.
Hi Shui,
Students want to know and truly appreciate the instructor sharing with them how the course is going to relate in a pratical setting. Students are always wanting to know why I have to take this course. Generally, if a student understands how he or she will benefit from the course, the student becomes interested in the course.
Patricia
Hi Anthony,
What a great way to get your students very interested. When do the students begin using the tools?
Patricia
Without giving too much detail about our school, let's just say that the students are issued all of their tools and equipment on the very first day. As part of the warm-up, introduction and icebreaker, I go through each piece of equipment and what it is used for. It gets them moving around and engaged. By the time we go through the whole collection, they can't wait to seize the first opportunity to use their tools.
To get students excited about the course,I usually try to explain how the current course relates to the previous courses and its applications in the field on the first day of class. Each item of the course requirements is
explained in detail in term of the amount of work,
their relative weights in grading and academic policy. Students are welcome and prompted to ask questions to clarify their understandings. A detailed syllabus is also given to students.
Hi Shui,
You are right, there are some terms that must be broken down for the students. Some terms can be intimidating, and we want the first day to be as less intimidating as possible.
Patricia
On the syllabus there are usually some unfamiliar technical terms that may sound at first difficult and complicated to the students. I sometimes try
to explain to them that it is really not very
difficult and that they will do fine and be able to learn something useful.
Hi David,
Students enjoy the hands-on experience of any course. I strongly encourage to take full advantage of teaching using a hands-on approach anytime it can be done.
Patricia
