Joe Koss

I teach a lot of beginning level accounting courses that have a lot of theory and rules the students need to memorize to be successful. The first time I taught the class, I asked my students questions about the delivery. I used the feedback given to tweak the way I present my material so that it works for that particular group. I use similar examples and handouts that seem to work with the students each time, but I always ask for feedback on what can be done better. I also like my students to be involved in the process of… >>>

In a classroom, I like to ask open ended questions as well as ask specific questions about a certain concept we are covering at that time. When working in the classroom, I can take a check of the classroom and see if students understand the material by the look on their faces. If I see the “deer in the headlights” look, I know I need to go back and go over concepts and ask specific questions about why things are not making sense. In an online forum, I use specific questions and real life examples to get students to think… >>>

The best example that I implement in my classrooms is the real life factor. I work as an accounting instructor and it is a challenge to make it interesting for students. I share my experiences in the field and how it works when doing reporting and putting together the journal entries that the class has assigned. I also turn that question around on my students and ask them to share any work experience they have in any of the concepts we are covering. In most cases, most of my students have experience doing these types of entries from a professional… >>>

I really enjoyed going through this module and looking at the concept of REFOCUS. It is so important to do this as instructors because teaching is a job. It can become stale and repetitive, like any job. It is important to recharge the batteries and have breaks from the materials and students. Some of the ideas that I have used in my current classes are reinforcing prior week’s materials with quiz to reinforce concepts. Focus on the material and stress the importance of the concepts in the overall learning objectives of the degree program each student. Having an open dialog… >>>

Having rapport with students in the discussion board on a daily basis will keep instructors aware of how students are doing each day with the assignments. One issue that I do face as an online instructor is getting students to ask questions on assignments. In most cases, they come in late or not at all with incomplete work with specific assignments. I make sure to give positive feedback to students and show them how to complete those problem sets. I also let them know in my feedback that I encourage them to post questions in the discussion board or to… >>>

How does an understanding of learner characteristics help in the instructional planning process? From my experiences working in an online classroom, I create a positive environment through discussion forums for both the adult and young students. I ask questions of my students on how the concepts we are learning apply in their work experience and life in general. I share how I have used these both in a personal and professional setting to give them an example to discuss in the classroom. This breaks the ice and gives the student a chance to share their experiences as well. Getting students… >>>