Handing out notes pages in lieu of power point presentation
In a recent class I was teaching I was told I would have access to a projector. I prepared a significant portion of class material using power point as it was a medium I felt comfortable with. However, shortly before the term began my room assignment changed and I no longer had access to a projector for media. Instead of scrapping all of my ppts I printed and handed out the notes pages (3 slides per page with room to write to the side) to students to help them follow along with the lectures and to give them a visual frame of reference. My question is if this practice is robbing them of the experience of picking out and ascertaining relevant and important information. I continued this practice through the first 2 weeks of the term and then (with warning) told my class they were to continue taking notes on their own using the skills we had already learned and that I wasn't going to continue handing them notes. Did I do the right thing? Could I have approached it in a more effective way?
Hi Ramon:
I think no matter what system is used, it is important we try a variety of methods to address as many learning styles as possible. For example, notes may be great for visual learners, but what about notes combined with a hands-on approach?
Regards, Barry
Hi DOnna:
I think it is a good practice to give the students a copy of notes in the manner you describe. Another technique that might work well is to give notes for students to fill out A CERTAIN WAY during class to help reinforce how to take notes appropriately.
Regards, Barry
Hi,
I have found that handing out paper notes of my pp help the students. Prior to giving them copies, I noticed they were busy writing every word from the pp, but when I gave them the copies, I found they listened more and wrote additional notes from the ad lib information shared with them.
Hi Stacy:
Maybe there was no mobile cart available. As teachers, we learn to use any and resources available, and make whatever is available a teaching aid.
Regards, Barry
Hi Cambria:
That sounds fine - any system that is used can be effective. One thing to consider for the future is telling the student what to expect on the first day of class to avoid any anxiety that change may cause.
Regards, Barry
I give my students notes to serve as study guides or outline of the day's lecture. In situations wherein the textbooks have a lot more technical, historical,and "nice to know" contents, the study guide focuses the students to the "must know" topics which may not be addressed in the PPT presentation.
I have struggled with this some, because I find that students will READ my notes rather than taking their own. They learn far more by taking their own notes since taking notes involves more senses than reading notes. However, I find that many students don't know HOW to take notes. For this reason, on lecture days I expect the students to take notes, but I then give them a copy of my notes at the END of class. This helps them to learn how to take notes (by comparing my notes to theirs), and there is no need to worry that they may have missed important information.
I like handing out paper notes, beacause the visual learners can make notes to aid in their learning.
I think this is a good strategy, but I must ask: Couldn't your institution have provided you with a mobile unit to use in your new location?
