Kristen O'Connell

Discussion Comment

What are the criteria you use for selecting testing formats?

Since I teach online, I typically use the multiple choice format since I can take items from the book, PowerPooints and videos. Then I can apply them to the test. I also throw in some short essay questions as well to see how they explain processes.

Kristen O'Connell

Discussion Comment

CATs

You can incorporate them in every unit if you are teaching in an online course. Quick quizzes or essay questions would be easy to create in order to show that the knowledge gained that Unit has been obtained. Then students would also be able to see what areas they may need to review prior to their mid-term or final exam.

Kristen O'Connell

Discussion Comment

Questioning Techniques

What are some questioning techniques you have used that were successful in getting students to participate in class discussions? I tend to have some easily answerable questions for the students at first. Then I like to have them build off those questions. It is ahrder though in an online setting because you have one standard question and students tend to answer that question, but not dig any deeper. That is when I ask them a further clarification or further knowledge question based on their initial post.

Kristen O'Connell

Discussion Comment

Instructional Benefits

What are the instructional benefits of knowing the learning styles of your students? How can this knowledge be used to help you be a more effective instructor? The benefits would be that by having a mixture of learning styles, you are able to teach every student and how they learn. Some students may have learning styles that overlap, so by having different styles you are helping them learn in more ways than one. The knowledge can be used to motivate an instructor to develop new course content intiatives. It also helps to keep you on your toes and keeps you… >>>

Kristen O'Connell

Discussion Comment

Motivation Techniques

What are some examples of effective motivation techniques that career college instructors can use in their classes? An instructor can ask students to share a life experience they have and how it relates to the course topic. For Intro to Business, I coach my students on writing a research paper that appeals to their interests and business. The topics are all across the board, but the students seem to really enjoy the fact that they can write something that appeals to their lives. Motivation techniques are beneficial when the student feels appreciated and heard. I make sure to personally greet… >>>

Kristen O'Connell

Discussion Comment

REFOCUS

Why do instructors need to occasionally take time and "REFOCUS" themselves in order to be more effective with their students? Instructors need to take time to REFOCUS in order to make sure they are still teaching for the right reasons. by refocusing, they are able to make sure the information they are sharing is relevant and up to date. Students want information they can use right away. By refocusing, instructors are able to supply current information that can be used in their students every day life.

Kristen O'Connell

Discussion Comment

Effective Retention Strategies

How can instructors become aware of effective retention strategies for use in their classes? Instructors can talk to seasoned instructors on what works in their classroom. For online instructors, sending a personalized greeting to each and every student has been a proven element in keeping retention numbers high. Instructors can also research new and different strategies based on adult learning theories.