You are not alone. The experiences you identified are common among veteran teachers. The ability to interject at the 'right' time is an art. Getting the adult learners to generate the conversation in the desired direction is much more difficult than just dumping the curriculum content in to the conversation. Nevertheless, as it occurs, you will see the learning to be much more robust for the students. Think about questions and questioning techniques for your classes that can elicit guided, (but open ended) answers that beg additional input from other class members. It's fun to watch the conversation unfold when it happens. Then your input is mostly encouragement and confirmations from that point on in the thread.
I have always felt at home being the center of attention in the room. At first I was concerned, but after my initial class, I found myself needing to take breaks and make the lectures shorter. My passion is computers, and I have been fortunate to have been able to teach others about what I love. That is how I got to where I am now.
As far as being the guide on the side, I struggle. I have to stop myself and allow the students to develop a post that is conducive to the lecture without too much of my experiences. I know that it is beneficial for the student to get a piece my experience (knowledge). So I will interject with some personal history where applicable to resuscitate the discussion.
Agreed. It also has been noted that as students provide their opinions, other classmates are more inclined to respond to the question and/or to the student answers to the question. Thanks
In using the Socratic approach, students are made to think that they know the subject matter and are doing the "teaching." And I think that in doing so, they are more inclined to participate and offer their opinions.
Hello Tim,
Thanks for your perspective. You are right that the adjustment for some is substantial, especially for those to whom the whole online dynamic is very new. Some research indicates the Socratic approach in discussion forums helps enhance the engagement and learning. Any ideas on why that may be true?
David
