Desiree Nelson

Discussion Comment

I always use an electronic gradebook and it has worked well for me. I started using both, paper in class, then updating the electronic file when I got home, but realized it was double work for me and not effective. Instead, the result is to immediately update my electronic gradebook after class and stay disciplined. I've cut down the time in going back and forth, & am more efficient with my time.

Desiree Nelson

Discussion Comment

Too much class time

I enjoyed the suggestions when there is too much class time and not enough work. Our classes are 4 hours long and sometimes as small as 1 or 2 students. Which means covering the content for the week usually takes about half the time as it would in a larger class.

Desiree Nelson

Discussion Comment

Slides as a guide

I use my PP slides as a guide, almost as lecture notes to myself. I ad-lib most of my lecture. Having the slides displayed behind/beside me allows the students an opportunity to see what I'm going to touch on next, as well as shift their eyes to focus on something else for a while.

Desiree Nelson

Discussion Comment

Learning students' names

I love the concept mentioned about learning students' names. I pride myself in learning and remembering all of my students' names. I tell the the first day of class that I will learn all of their names by the second week of class and I stick to it. For those names that are difficult to pronounce or faces that are difficult to remember, it almost becomes a game between us to see hoe long it will take me before I actually get it right. Usually the students are impressed at how quickly I learn the names; and it makes me… >>>

Desiree Nelson

Discussion Comment

"Use-it-Wisely" cards

I like the idea of the cards allowing students a limited amount of comments/questions. Some of the discussions in my classes go on much longer than I plan because every student wants to share their opinion or example of a situation. This will not only help w/the center stage students in limiting their reponses, but also with staing on track and schedule.

Desiree Nelson

Discussion Comment

Airplanes for group selections

I will definitely use the paper airplanes as an ice-breaker and group selection tool. I usually have a group term project and have either allowed the students to pick their groups (which does not always produce the best work) or have selected them myself randomly. I also allow them to select a team captain (again, this isn't always the most effective since sometimes there are more than one natural leaders), or selected the captain myself if nobody volunteers (again, not effective because if nobody wants to lead and they are thrown into a leadership role, results are not always positive).… >>>

Desiree Nelson

Discussion Comment

Recommendations

Are there any learning style assesments you'd recommend for the first day of class?

Desiree Nelson

Discussion Comment

Class size =1

Thanks Gilbert for your response, it seems we're on the same page. That's exactly how I structure the class. The first hour is lecture plus open discussion; the second hour she's doing an application activity. I'm available throughout the activity for questions as well as stopping her mid point. I'm able to focus on her and encourage her progress throughout the activity. Once complete, we review, then another short lecture and another activity. We also start each class with a review of the previous week, taking turns answering and explaining processes. I think it helps her learning process; by allowing… >>>

Desiree Nelson

Discussion Comment

Class size =1

I currently have a class with only one student. This is very difficult because most of the time it feels like tutoring. It's difficult to keep her engaged and motivated because when I ask an open ended question, she repeats exactly what I said. There is neither group discussion nor learning from peers. Activities and projects are indivual assignments that can come across as busy work. Any suggestions?