What are some methods you use to get students excited about your course and understand course requirements?
I like to tell them how the "academic exercises" are so much more than that. I like to show them how it is relevant to their future professional endeavors.
Hi Terri,
How would you describe your energy level as an instructor? The enthusiasm in the classroom should start with the instructor.
Excitement comes from the energy one displays when discussing the subject and describing relevance to the career in which students want to be a part.
Hello William,
Our students do not like to read, but as you do, we must hold them accountable. I like the various activities you use to include fun while learning. Superb idea!
Patricia
Hi William,
Absolutely! We have to make it known to the students on Day 1 and throughout how they will benefit from the kowledge obtained.
Patricia
Hello Aaron,
Nicely said. Value brings life to anything.
Patricia
Motivating students by frequently relating to how this will benefit them today and/or in the future.
Hi Carriann,
What type of reaction do you normally get from inexperienced students with the course content?
Patricia
I would begin with a discussion of asking the students how much experience they have with the course content at hand. Then, I would try to explain how the information will be used once they are in the workforce. The students would be spilt into groups and given specific scenarios then, would need to decide the proper way to handle the scenario. Afterwards we would apply how to deal with specific situations with the course content we will be learning in the course.
Value. If you put a value on the class or subject you are teaching they will be interested. They have to see a value to everything they are doing to put effort into it.
I tell them on the first day that I expect them to read the chapters, even if they are not in class that day. I use study guides, crossword puzzles, and games that are fun like answering questions from the chapter, and if they answer the questions correct, they shoot a ping pong ball with velcor on them and stick to a target with numbers for points. The team with the most points at the end of the phase or term wins a prize. I hold them accountable for their work and have fun.
Hi Jocelyn,
How have you used the biographical information to help with making the course more relevant?
Patricia
Hi Margaret,
It sounds like you are putting great revisions in place to make this an awesome course! Keep up the excellent work!
Patricia
I have new culinary students in a College Success class. Understanding that these students want to be in a cooking lab rather than an academic class is key to success of the class. I have redesigned the class so that 4 - 5 chefs come into the classroom and talk about various strategies to being a successful student, and I take them ona field trip to a professional incubator kitchen. We also have a lot of class and group activities all evolving around food-related topics.
With a lot of energy and enthusiasm thrown in from me, I am getting great feedback from students. (NOTE: this class has a history of dreadful evaluations by students. I am working with my dept chair to ramp the class up, and it looks like my model will replace what has been in place)
Margaret
Hi Shelia,
What are your thoughts as to why lecture is your students least favorite time?
Patricia
Hi Sheila,
I an not a good winger either. I must know what I am talking about, otherwise students can see right through it. To save myself embarassment, I tell them I will find out and get back with them.
Patricia
Hi Shelia,
I understand! You must follow policy.
Patricia
Hi Shelia,
Students want and need to hear our experiences. Testimonies are great!
Patricia
Hello Amy,
Absolutely! Most of the time when students can actually see it, they get a different level of excitement. PowerPoint presenatations are excellent as well.
Patricia
