Kay Kluttz

Evaluations are just as important for the instructor as it is for the student. It allows us to know how effective we are at our jobs and also will point to where we should provide more information and where we are maybe providing more than the students need. Evaluations show the progress of the student and will ultimately provide a final grade. Formative assessments should take place frequently and summative assessments will allow us to know how well the students can apply their new knowledge that has been gained during the course.

I loved the idea of passing out the index cards to ask what student issues/difficulties are without their names. This is a great way to know what should be "tweaked" in a lesson plan in addition to the possibillity of adding on completely different materials to better match the various levels of students.

I have learned how to incorporate Flip Charts for use in the  classroom discussions along with the use of color and highlighting when using the white board.

Reply to Adrianna Olch's post: I too found myself reflecting on my own teaching style and it's effectiveness.

I have learned that there are many different types of instructional styles and can now put a name to my style of teaching. I also thought back and have placed instructors throughout my career within this classification system. I now realize that I have taken something different from each one and feel there is no wrong or right way to convey instruction...the goal is to be effective in what ever method you select.

I have been educated on the correct steps utilized to formally construct the different types of questions needed to measure the effectiveness of teaching.

I have learned about the CAT activities used at the beginning of class periods to access how well the students are grasping the information that is being taught. It is so important to have different types of assessments and not just a basic written exam.

The Socrates method of asking questions will lead the students to a higher level of thinking and understanding of the subject.

I completely agree with you. I will always try to tailer my lectures and when I assign projects, I allow the students to teach the teacher and they will typically teach in the way they wish to learn, thereby providing insight.