Creating an engaging classroom
At our school, we believe that retention is driven in the classroom. Our faculty is "on board" with the idea that students must see the relevance in their education and the validity of the outcomes to their success. Adult learners are a very different being than secondary school students. Respect is a premium. Faculty can be trained to perceive the difference between treating an adult the way they deserve, and "coddling" a student. With a concentration on alternative methodologies and an understanding of multiple inmtelligences, faculty can design and impliment an engaging lesson on a daily basis. We want our students to feel like they can't wait to get into class, not that they can't wait to get out.
I strongly believe in creating an engaging classroom. While teaching Business Law on the first night of class I act is if all of them have been hired as Paralegals for an attorney firm. The aim of this approach is to avail the students of the responsibilities of a Paralegal. I explain their important role in researching and providing pertinent information to their attorney teams that can be presented in a court of law. I address each student by name with the title of Paralegal first during the entire term. I briefly introduce each chapter, give them the subject matter of the chapter and then present a case where they have to research the topic in order to assist their clients and lawyers to win a case. I then act as a judge and jury wearing one of my black graduation robes and give the verdict or answers to the cases they have been asked to research. I encourage opposing sides so that they can be prepard as if they were the defendant and or the prosecutor. As a final project I have also set up a real case and appoint the different roles an court proceedings and ultimately reaching a verdict. The students are so engaged each night and before we know it class time is over. I believe this technique for this particular class has improved retention rates insurmountably.
Their wishes regarding ...?
I use the students last name with a Mr. or Mrs. I ask the first day of class about their wishes and try very hard to remember their wishes to speak to them later in the course.
if you treat all of the students like adults it goes a long way. our students are atleast 18 and are young adults. Some have more experience then others and that is what can make some of the differneces in the teaching methods.
I keep a high level of respect for the students and expect the same in return. Some understand respect better than others.
