Get Your Students Hired
I like using the chalk board, and I agree that the best thing is to write the information as you discuss the information.
I think this is a more effective way of re-inforcing, too, what I am saying, as I discuss, then write down my point, and review the point afterwards.
Jacqulin,
Mind maps (concept map) are a great way to develop, expand and illustrate ideas, and getting students to participate in an interactive class sense is a great idea. I think maps are good for study, review, and personal learning as well. Like anything, too much of the same diet gets old. But using a variety of activities that still get students up and out of their chair (to the board) will help keep things fresh, lively, and more interesting.
P.S. Leaving a dirty board is a sin nobody should get away with!
Barry Westling
I used the white board for most of my classes to expand on a topics. I find that this activity cater to the visual learners as well as the other types of learners. I use concept map a lot, and this is placed on the board as students help to develop it. Using the board is a great strategy to to have students active involvement in the learning process. Remember to clean the board at the end of the class. My pet peeve!
Roger,
Great. Students can often lose sight where their instructor is at in the perspective of the topic. So I will frequently interject "so here's where we're at" or "so let's recap what we just discussed". Another effective method is to ask students to recap the past few minutes. This helps keep their attention if it's done frequently enough so that students will expect to be called on.
Barry Westling
I list learning objectives and key points on the board before class so the students have an ongoing idea of where we are in reference to timing.
Paul,
Student learn different ways, but I think most all are visual learners to a large degree. If we can capture an idea for placement in the minds eye, we will have achieved a great aha moment. The chalk board can be as effective as any. Thank goodness there are those with drawing talents that are able to convey ideas and drawings accurately and on the spot!
Barry Westling
I teach blue print reading and sheet metal layout I have to draw things on my chalk board in 3D all the time so they can get a better understanding of the points I have to get across. They say a picture speaks a thousand words well guess what it does.
Keith,
I stand on the left as much as possible just so my students can see whats being written. Then I step to the right to make gestures or to emphasize a point.
Barry Westling
I always thought it was best to be on the left of the chalk board because we read right to left.
Michael,
I like the board, too. It is sometimes used as an extension of my thoughts, discussion, and explanations. I'll tell you, a busy day at the dry erase board can make for a pretty messy clean-up afterwards!
Barry Westling
I like using the Board. I use it as if I were making a Power Point slide, as an instrument to explain detail, and as a drawing board, etc. It gives me a real sense of accomplishment when I can draw a diagram that clarifys complex concepts, such as the cardiovascular system, for my students. They respond to it more than the diagrams in their textbooks.
Vallorie ,
Good point, and I agree that when something is written, it is perceived that this must be important. Writing on the board does reinforce anything the instructor is emphasizing.
Barry Westling