I agree with some of the other posts that communication is a key to success but also the pattern of teaching may be dictated by the learning ability of the group and the re-evaluation process of the facilitator. The instructors can create the best dynamic and be consistent for student learning but if the pattern continues to create issues or obstacles it must be adjusted. So I would say communication and your own evaluation process are keys to in delivering a pattern of teaching
Developing a pattern of teaching that will enhance learning for the class being taught.
Understanding the infividual needs of the students
When establishing a pattern of teaching, I believe the two most important things to consider are communication and content delivery. It is necessary to effectively communicate the course objectives and expectations in the beginning of the course. During the course, thorough feedback must be provided in a timely fashion in order for students to be successful. Instructors need to be consistently active in the discussion forums and interacting with the students. Content delivery is equally as important because the way in which the material is delivered sometimes need to be adjusted to meet the needs of students with different learning styles.
Lisa,
Nice post! You are right about trust. This comes from consistency and expectations. We keep talking about holding students to certain expectations, we have to do that to ourselves and students have a right to have certain expectations of us!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
One of the two most important things to condsider when establishing a pattern of teaching is communication. Instructors need to establish trust from the student by communicating to them the importance of their success. The second important aspect is content delivery. Students need to recieve the information in a way they are receptive to learn. The instructor should be enthusiastic and incorporate the material into the student's thoughts and life so they are able to grasp the content.
Ty,
Good, rubrics does clarify expectations for the students and guide the instructor in grading.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Yes. Rubrics are required to give proper feedback on every assignment. It also allows the students to clearly see where they need to improve.
- Ty
Ty,
I agree with you. Do you use rubrics to set that expectations particularly when doing an assignment?
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Marie,
When you are teaching in five week periods, you are challenged to create a engaging environment in such a short time. You really have to make sure expectations are set and set quickly. Students do love text messaging.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Communication and content delivery is important, but I really look to also making the expectations very clear. Students can then focus on how they can take a project or an assignment further when the clearly know what the expectation is.
- Ty
Communication is very important in a learning environment. One of the things that I do is set the expectations up front and reiterate them during the five week period that we have together. My students can't always make it to the live chats so we use messages and discussion boards in our environment. The other thing we do is communicate not only with email but with text messaging if they don't get the work done. I always work with them and they appreciate that.
Michael,
You are right, consistency and communication are the cornerstone of good teaching. It is up to the instructor to set the example. The instructor is the learning leader even though the student is the center of the learning.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Kelly,
When establishing a pattern of teaching, I find two things important to be that of, communication and with that I mean as frequent and often as possible, especially for an asynchronous presentation and consistency (though not listed as an option) because when a teacher demonstrates this they are leading by example, then students understand what is expected, when it is expected and what the outcomes may or may not be depends on them, it helps the flow of the class.
Michael
Patricia,
Consistency is the key! Students have to know they can depend on you as the instructor to provide that consistency when time may not be consistent.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I think that the two most important things to consider when establishing a pattern of teaching are: 1.) consistent and regular practices
2.) establishing and setting regular times of availability.
Anthony,
Great points! You are right, communication is the thread that "sews" the content together and makes it all work together. Communication has to be continual and at times repetitive.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson,
I think the two most important things to consider when establishing a pattern of teaching are communication and content delivery.
Communication is vital to a students success. I try and communicate through a variety of means (emails, announcements, Discussion Board posts, etc.). I find that it is the students who engage the most in communication with me, often find the most success in the course.
Content Delivery is very important, b/c our students all have there own learning styles. So it is essential that we have a wide range of delivery methods for the course content to accommodate these different learning styles.
Genieve,
Great point! We do need to really use and encourage students to use the LMS. That can be the biggest asset and barrier to online learning.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Good question Dr Kelly!
When establishing a pattern of of teaching I believe that the two most important things to consider are clarification of the subject matter , or course expectations, and clarity of ease to find supportive materials that will help the students to be successful in an "online course.
~Genieve
Philemon,
You are right. Hopefully the LMS helps you direct students what they need to do to meet objectives.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
