Tools
What happens if all this looks nice on paper but in the real world is not totally practical? My friend got fired in trying to implement all these goodies.
Craig,
Good idea. This is a form of using multiple senses. I know from my own experience that recall of information is improved when students see, touch, feel, and hold onto an object while it's being discussed in lecture.
Barry Westling
I also think that the use of training aids can be very beneficial to the students. We use these during lecture so that the students can actually put their hand on what we are discussing.
i think that it is very important that the students need to know how to used the tool of any traid alot of students dont know how to used a screw driver so we have to show them hoe to used this tool so they can succeed in there carrier
Charles,
Yeah, there are a lot of tools available. The internet is a great resource for personal research, along with access to other computerized resources. Students always seem to like stories, and aligning a work related story to a lesson topic can make for a meaningful teaching moment.
Barry Westling
The use of training aids , handouts and power points tied to life experience seems to work most of the time.
Don,
Yeah, among the necessary tools is a good supply of back up plans, which can be lifesavers when what was planned cannot occur for whatever reason. Good plans are ones that are low tech, can be implemented on short notice, relate to the topic (generally or specifically), and contribute to meeting course goals. I remind instructors that textbooks often provide a lot of ancillary material that, for many reasons, are never used (i.e., not enough time), but are perfectly suitable when an extraordinary circumstance presents.
Barry Westling
Stories are always an attention getter when dealing with students. It creates a bond between the instructor and the student.The student feels a personal connection because the stories are usually about real world scenarios that the student can relate to. However, an instructor definitely needs to educate himself or herself on building their own educational tool box. Knowing how to utilize multiple types of media will allow the instructor to adapt to any scenario that arises in a classroom. What if you are on a strict schedule and your computer crashes, the internet goes down or you have a deaf or blind student. Maybe the electricity goes out and all you have is emergency lighting, but the class really needs to continue. Always be prepared to pull the next tool out of your box so that you can continue to deliver the course material no matter what.
Wanda,
I have always found that I can always get students focused and engaged by sharing stories. These can be past (good or bad) situations, circumstances, or interesting or unusual happenings I've experienced or learned about through my years of work experience.
Barry Westling
I am the same, I have the freedom to use what ever aids I have available. I am fortunate to have 30+ years experience in the field I am teaching so I have lots of examples on various topics being discussed.
Kevin,
Students love stories. These can be past situations, circumstances, or work setting catastrophes. When it's related to work, students always seem to be interested. It's one way I'll use to regroup disengaged students.
Barry Westling
I'm lucky I have the freedom to use different sources and come up with my own as long as it goes with the subject on hand. I like to use visual aids while discussing the topic, then I'll throw in a past experience that I had that involves the subject. The students really enjoy hearing real life experiences related to what I teach.
Walter,
Of course we all accountable to our employer. But I would think that discussing improvements or techniques you would like to try with your supervisor or Dean could only show you care and want to see the best outcomes for your students.
Barry Westling
