Eric Helms

I have definitely seen the necessity to tailor teaching to the adult. Attention span and learning mode are both incredibly important. Not only does a teach need to assess and vary the methodology of teaching, whether it is auditory, visual, or hands-on, but also needs to ensure that the length of the content is not over 15-18 minutes. Lastly, covering the appropriate number of topics, 5-7, is also important to ensure we aren't overloading students and setting them up for failure.

So often I have found myself as a student at multiple levels unprepared for class simply because the instructor sped through the syllabus, did not set learning objectives or didn't communicate the standards and expectations for evaluating my academic success in a clear way. To expect our students to meet standards and to do well when assessed, they have to know what the standards are and what they are being assessed on. This not only creates confidence, but better directs the learning efforts of the students.

I have found it to be incredibly important to set the expectations for the learning environment the first day of class. Encouraging students to collaborate, listen and respect each others needs and opinions and to establish an "open door policy" in a philosophical sense for new ideas and questions allows learning to occur and continue to occur throughout the course. Learning is a collaborative and continuing process and if students don't feel supported or safe in their ability to interact with their peers and teacher this process can't happen.

From both my limited experience as a new instructor and also from my Max Knowledge learning in ED101, I have come to learn the value of collaborating and learning from my colleagues. From sitting in on classes taught by colleagues it has helped me immensely in developing my own style. I have come to see what works and what doesn't work for me, customizing technique to my own strengths and weaknesses.