Tremayne Simpson

Dan, I agree, nonverbal communication is an accurate tool for assessing student comprehension. I constantly "scan" the class during lectures, in order to physically see if the students are comprehending the topic. Whenever I see "looks of confusion" or "disinterest", I make sure to summarize the content and ask Socratic questions. Tremayne Simpson

Dan, I agree, nonverbal communication is an accurate tool for assessing student comprehension. I constantly "scan" the class during lectures, in order to physically see if the students are comprehending the topic. Whenever I see "looks of confusion" or "disinterest", I make sure to summarize the content and ask Socratic questions. Tremayne Simpson

Dan, I also make sure to assign collaborative activities, whenever possible. Within the small groups, students are able to actively "brainstorm" and find collective ways to apply the information that they have learned. Tremayne Simpson

Bernard, Do you allow your students to use these devices (netbooks, computers, etc.) during lecture? If so, what guidelines do you set-forth to instill that they are not using the devices for non-class activities? This has become an increasingly difficulty topic (electronic devices in the classroom) for most instructors. Tremayne Simpson

Sue, Funding is always a tough topic to avoid, when it comes to supplemental innovations for the classroom. It is best to research resources that are "free", but can be used to enhance instruction. Some of these "tools" can be provided by publishing companies, especially if your institution is using their textbooks. Tremayne Simpson

Rudayna, I agree. Instructors have to find opportunities, either in an assignment or course lecture, that enable students to demonstrate their knowledge about the topic. Tremayne Simpson

Allen , I have used the method as well. It is an informal, Democratic procedure to garnering student feedback. In many cases, I tend to receive candid responses, because the students can see that their responses are uses as "agents of change". Tremayne Simpson

Sue, This method can also be used to establish credibility with your students. Opening up the class for a question and answer session, can provide the students with the assurance that their instructor is well-versed on the subject matter. Credibility can be questioned when there is a heavy reliance on support materials (i.e. textbooks) and limited activities that would make the instructor succeptable to student questions. Tremayne Simpson

Rudayna, These are great methods for appealing to multiple learning styles. In many cases, students recognize the instructor's assignment creativity, which will make them eager to see what will take place during the following class session. Tremayne Simpson

Lloyd, What is the course of action used when a student has insufficient skills based on the assessment? Do you have to provide them with an individual development plan, in order to "keep pace" with the course? Tremayne Simpson