Presenting yourself positively
Being in front of a class is not easy, we can make it look as if it is though. Proper preparation is critical to optimal engagement of a class. We all know the best plan should always have a backup just incase things go curplooey.
I have found making sure I have devoted time to organizing not over analyzing the lessons I plan to present things go much smoother. I usually try to follow a 15 minute review what you know, show me what you remember, and then lets add some new material, and end it with what do you know now that you didn't when you walked in the door? It helps me move the lesson around the students and keeps them engaged.
Anyone else have a way the make it look smooth they want to share?
Jennifer,
Yeah, years ago I stopped saying "dress as if you were going on a date" thinking that would be nice apparrel. Not so anymore! Students have got to see their dress, speach, demeanor, and behavior can have a direct impact on their securing quality employment. We can be role models, and teach about the good and not so good. But in the end, the student has to value the importance of the information and make a decision to dress, behave, and present themselves in the best light possible.
Barry Westling
Often times I've found that students do not understand the difference between dressing up to go out on the town and dressing professional for work. I always try to set an example of professionalism with the way I dress, the way I speak to others, and how I carry myself. Most of my students do not have that kind of example in their lives and I feel it's very important.
I agree Tracy. Without hearing the personal experiences of the instructor, a student might as well read the book and take the test. There are always ways to personalize class content in an effort to make the content more interesting to the student. I also ask the students if they have any stories to share relative to the topics at hand. This helps maintain student interest when it can be used.
Karen:
Regardless of the fact that I teach the same material to each of my classes at their varied levels, I always review, revise, & update my material and my ensuing thoughts. My delivery formats & approaches will reflect the "air" of the students in each class...
Doc
Pamela,
I think the idea of student mentoring is great. Students have a way of relating to one of their own, different from the way the relate to their instructor.
Barry Westling
Yes so true. Finding common ground and combining the mix is a true task but a rewarding one. I am a instructor at a medical college and find many diverse situations and people. It is very hard to have one lesson plan when you may have students that do not speak fluent english or have a disability. I am learning to be flexable and to have other students help as mentors which is a great way to mix the class and have them work together. I also tutor 4 hours a day and offer computor skills so the students can learn research skills. P O'Dwyer
Pamela,
We can always be an inspiration to someone, because there will always be those that are less fortunate than we, and some that are more fortunate. Treating all the same, while recognizing differences is a challenge but can be done, and leads to the best outcomes.
Barry Westling
Yes and being the roll model maybe they have never had. I like the challange and enjoy the win. Nothing better than to see them walk and know their life is about to take a big turn. I will be walking with my class this term as I just finished my AA and will continue for my BS. It will be fun to be a part of the class. P O'Dwyer
Pamela,
True, we little affect on many of our students personal and home life situations. But while in school, we have the awsome opportunity to change lives and create a better future through careful, kind guidence and direction, transforming people's lives who've talken a step, and had the courage to make a positive difference for themselves and their loved ones.
Barry Westling
Pamela,
Pacing and segmenting class material is an art form, and creating timelines that concur with student circadian attention spans can make all the difference between successfully mastering the material or getting distracted and loosing interest.
Barry Westling
Wow looks like I wrote this....Me all the way. I like to show professionalism and teach it. If you do not show them how to dress and act they will not know for some of them do not have roll models and that is what is happening to the family unit.
Pam
That is so true. I spend more time organizing my lesson plan and making sure it matches the clock for breaks and any interuptions. You have to keep them happy. Pam
Aarti,
Good. For me, a valuable practice I do is review the days key learning points at the end of class. I might have selected students do this, and I'll chime in afterwards to clarify or reinforce the correct and essential points. It's like the "tell them what you're going to tell them, then tell them, then tell them what you told them" principle. Repetition, along with summarization is a key to forming long term memory recall.
Barry Westling
I agree with the comments reported by many of you on this topic. I usually come in early so that I can talk to some of my students who have difficulty with the subject matter. I also begin the class with a review of the lesson and homework. At the end of class, I provide them with a list of critical thinking type questions pertaining to the lesson taught that day. I also encourage them to read the next topic in advance, which helps move things along smoothly. This is important to me because sometimes I am required three chapters in one lecture.
Aarti Savoor
Educator
Tracy,
Stories are great. They convey ideas and information that usually captures student attention. Sometimes, a story can illustrtae something very simply that would otherwise take longer to explain more formally. Plus, a story may help students relate something they need to know with something they already know.
Barry Westling
Karen,
Great thoughts. Your comment about "not easy, but we can make it look so" is very pertinent. For me, that includes professional dress at all times. I write a daily quote on the board for inspiration. Being early to class before any students arrive is helpful to get material and resources ready, so when they do begin to arrive I have time to givem them attention, answer questions, or even just chat. During class, I check for understanding frequently. That means asking questions of specific students by name at random (I use a deck of cards with their names on it so I can shuffle the deck). If the correct answer is not given I go to the next name I draw. This helps keep everyone at attention, and allows me to go only so far until I'm sure the whole class is getting it. At class end, I'll review two categories: here's what we covered today, and here's what preparation is needed for next class session. I always (I mean always) thank them for thier attention and participation. Also, I try to stand at the door as they depart to give a one-on-one good-bye and a handshake (if they're open to it - not all are).
Barry Westling
I always find time to add personal stories that relate to the subject matter that keep my students interested. I wouldn't want to sit and listen to a monotone lecture that lasts for hours. My personal stories encourage students to participate and share theirs as well.
