Books
Another common mistake that I have heard is for the instructor to tell the call that “we will not be using the assigned text.” This is usually done after the students have invested substantial capital in obtaining the book. This de-motivates students almost as much as telling students that one has never taught the course before.
I like to suggest alternative books that I have read, in case a student has trouble with the text. I don't follow a text specifically, but rather build off of it.
Hi Samantha,
I have found a lot of students need repetition. Just think, that's how we all started learning ABC's and 123's. We did them over and over again.
Patricia
I agree, I like to use all material available because repetition is one of the best ways to learn.
Hi Charles,
Most students do know how to use the book to find answers. They just do not want to put forth the effort. Once you begin to point out answers to them, it is a tactful way of saying, the answer is right here.
Patricia
Yulia,
I agree that the students do not read the textbook before doing their work. Teaching software classes usually means before they do the homework they are to do the chapter work first. I have done as you and show the students where in the textbook the information is to complete the homework. This has at times caused me to get low reviews at the end of the quarter, but if a student does not know how to use a book to answer questions how will they be able to continue their education once they get out of school?
Hello Yulia,
I too agree. I teach software courses as well, and I have noticed the very same thing, and I do as you do, turn to page ... Students these days do not want to put forth much effort at all. My students are given a zero, if they do not bring their books to class and utilize them.
Patricia
I absolutely agree. I teach software related courses and noticed that my students not only don't open a text book, they also don't even take notes during my lectures and demos! And then they start asking questions. I spot those students who doesn't have a text book and every time they asking me an obvious question I refer them to the pages/chapters of their textbooks. Helps so far!
Hi Christopher,
I certainly can understand a student's frustration when a lot of money has been spent on the book, and the book is never utilized. I make it a point to utilize all of my course books, simply for this reason alone. Students want to use the materials they have paid for.
Patricia
I felt this often when I went to school, that I spent a lot on these books and then never used them. My solution has bee to create home work Quizzes on the chapters of the book that will apply to the next class. We then open the class by correcting our papers aloud, I explain that i trust the students to correct the quiz and turn it in with the incorrect answer marked and a correction made. Not only do we clear up any issues and shown how helpful the book can b, we also have a great jump on that day activities.
Hi Miles,
Students want their books on the first day. They expect to leave your class with a book. Students will have questions if books are not distributed on Day 1.
Patricia
I definitely agree with you on that. This is very frustrating for students, especially if you do not have some other component of their education in ready supply. They feel you are mismanaging their tuition dollars.
Hi Frank,
You are absolutely correct, how unmotivating coming from the instructor. If the instructor does not make an issue out of things, students generally want. The instructor sets the tone for the class.
Patricia
