Angela Zaugg

I like this concept.  As an instructor for an institution focusing on preparing our students for future careers, I prefer not to spend my class time reciting terms and spoon-feeding information to the students that they could obtain themselves through their own reading and research.  I prefer to spend my time discussing, practicing, and problem-solving real-life situations that pertain to the topics presented.  I believe this creates an environment for deeper understanding, application, and learning.  I believe the flipped classroom should be the primary means of instruction for adult learners.  Most adults attending career-oriented schools, are motivated to learn the… >>>

I appreciated the examples of techniques to use in the classroom to further enhance questioning during instruction, including redirection, probing, reinforcement, and praise.  I also appreciated the tips for questionsing, especially regarding wait time, as just providing students with a few more seconds can have a positive effect on their understanding and participation.

This module has provided good insight into the most common types of questions used in the classroom versus the most effective types of questions.  After viewing this  module, I am more aware of the need to use open questions to better promote student learning.

This module has provided good insight into the most common types of questions used in the classroom versus the most effective types of questions.  After viewing this  module, I am more aware of the need to use open questions to better promote student learning.

This module increased my awareness of the various types of barriers to incorporating active learning activities and strategies to overcoming these barriers.  I prefer to start with low-risk active learning activities and then through these activities, assess the students' readiness to participate in and learn from higher-risk active learning activities.

Active learning is student-centered and requires clear statements of expectations.  It engages a students critical thinking and analysis skills and is a markedly more effective strategy for learning.

It was intersting to learn about the different types of learning disabilities.  I appreciated the information about self-advocacy, which is vital once a student graduates from highschool, since the IEP no longer applies.  I find that most students with learning disabilities often just need a little more time to process.  Having a recording of the lecture or assistance with note taking can also be of great help.  Once a student has disclosed a disability, it is nice having a resource on campus through the student disability services office that can assist you in providing the best accommodations for students.

This module has raised my awareness of how to be an effective instructor for students with reading and language deficits.  A lot of the strategies suggested would not only help the students with reading or language barriers but would be effective teaching strategies for all students.  I appreciated the suggestion for providing small chunks of information at a time so as not to overwhelm the students with new information, repeating the information throughout the class and in varous formats, and also providing small assignments throughout the course early on to better gauge where the students might need more assistance to… >>>

I often use a randomizer app that will quickly create random group lists based on the parameters I set.  This lends itself to easily creating diverse groups.  I might make adjustements after the app has completed the randomized lists based on the knowledge I have of students and their learning styles and personalities.  For example, if the app has randomized two students into the same group who tend to contribute less than others, I may change one of the students to another group so that one group is not at risk for having to do too much of the work. … >>>

I like the idea of videotaping a lecture to increase awareness of one's own lecture style and make improvements where needed.  I also appreciated the information about moving around the classroom, which is different from pacing, in that it can be used as an effective strategy to gain and maintain student interest and not a distraction.  I find that coming to class prepared improves my confidence and allows my to be more comfortable, genuine, and engaging when I interact with my students.