Coping with various student skill levels
Hi, wondering how other instructors deal with various skill levels when students are enrolled in a class. For example, I'm teaching an MSWord 2010 course with several students who have already had experience. Granted, I have plenty of things to show them that they don't know, but they tend to get bored going through the first few chapters. Any tips on what to do with them?
Christopher ,
This is a great idea. I have done this quite a few times and ususally works out great. The stronger students feel empowered and the weaker students benefit from their peer instructors.
Barry Westling
I have arranged for the more "advanced" students in class to share, tutor, mentor their expertice to those students who are at a 'lower level" in class. With close supervision, especially in the laboratory environment, I have found that it not only helps the beginners, but offers a new challenge for those who are more advanced in the course material.
Fabiola,
Aids such as you describe are truly helpful. Being able to focus on areas that require your attention, students are are great at sharing what they know and assisting their classmates.
Barry Westling
I agree on the importance of having a mentor in the class or 2 that grasp the concepts of core subjects or hands on things that have to be taught over and over. It's been a great help to me, to link them up with newer students to be able to move on and not let the rest of the class fall apart with repetetive things that new students have to grasp as well but shouldn't interfere with how fast the class is moving.
Michael,
A couple of ideas. I have stronger students work as student mentors with some of my weaker students. Anotrher thing is to have seveal assignments realted to the same topic, some for more advanced students and more basic assignments for the ones who need more time. Projects are good because it lets the students express themselves at whatever level they are currently performing. And there's always "checking for understanding" a discussion based activity where the instructor presents material, then asks specific questions of specific students. In this way, an instructor can't go too far into the lesson without assuring students are tracking with him/her.
Barry Westling
