I add power points to my culinary lectures supplemented with actual examples of what we are studying---i.e. if the lesson is about legumes I have small dishes of each variety, labeled, to pass around. This engages the students with tactile ingredients. I always want them to be active and not passive in the learning process.
In my class, I try to give my students "real world" experience so they can see how what they are learning will apply to their chosen career. I will use the materials and books provided by the school but will also use outside books and internet sources of information to show the students that what they are learning in class is relavent to what they will be doing in a working environment. I try to give provide real situations for them to work out--actual workplace events that they may encounter. Sometimes this seems to bring about a connection between their school experience and knowledge and what they will apply in a life/ career circumstance.
I add resources such as outside speakers even if it is internet based, on a particular area of interest such as explaining a chemical process. It helps certain students understand when they just aren't understanding me. A visual example of chemical bonding via a video is better than my 2-D drawing on the board. Also I think social networks are great, not necessarily in the classroom, but for students to reach out to each other about a question they have and a classmate may be able to answer. I schedule time in class to have students do research on topics with their phones or computers so that they can find their own resources to refer to. In this way my students have also given me valuable feedback on resources I may not have found.
I teach mainly in the paralegal curriculum. I will incorporate state laws, important new cases and current events into my classroom presentations. In addition, as a former practicing attorney, I will often have real world stories to incorporate as well.
Peggy,
Your cellphone questioning method sounds interesting...could you provide more detail as to how you use it during a class lecture/discussion?
Tremayne Simpson
There are so many....there is the computer, T.V., the library resource center filled with journals, periodicals, research material. Games are always fun and can break up the monotony of lecturing. Use my cellphone. When a certain alert sounds off of my phone, I will ask a question, (I carry several in my pocket)
Relating the course to the rea world with articles and books seems the keep the students more interested. I think it makes the learning process more practical, rather than simply theoretical.
Henry,
I agree. Professional development activities should be used as catalysts for the creation and implementation of course content. This ensures that the course will be "fresh" and exciting for the students.
Tremayne Simpson
I like to incorporate VTC and dialed in conference instruction (guest speakers) that are experts in their field. This provides the students the latest and greatest information. I've received great response from the students whenever this is feasible. Certainly bandwidth is an issue especially when dealing with overseas locations.
I add other reading materials, guest speakers, and field trips.
Always staying Informed on the topic you teach is the best way of adding to your lesson. Staying in the now, not the then.
I test them materials from their previous class to assess information retained. This helps to students to revisit information they might have missed.
I try to take a mental health break about every 15-20 minutes. During these breaks, we watch a short video, do a classroom activity, have a short discussion/debate, or have the students present something to the class. Not only do they apply critical thinking skills and relevant material, but they also work on public speaking- which everyone seems to be afraid of!!
I give them power point, pictures and slides, and animated picture to show them how every thing works
computer lab time for homework grade, powerpoint presentations by myself or assign each student something for them to teach the class by research,& internet
I use a lot of real world objects in discussing abstract concepts. I have remote controlled cars, other toys, I have Internet resources (Web links and articles) for them to read and reference, as well as tutorials where possible.
Slides help along with handouts of those very slides for note taking or reference.
These are just a few of the resources I use. Technology integration is easy in our school because all of my classes have computers in them. At least, the ones I teach in do. Incorporating Internet materials is often one of the best ways to get them involved in something. YouTube videos on everything from PowerPoint presentation writing to computer programming tutorials done with humor can work.
I ask my coworkers for additional resources. By finding out from them what has or has not worked in the past I can add more resources. I use my own experience and have even had the good fortune of having past classmates and students come in and speak so that my current students see the importance and relevance of what we are currently learning.
Clifton,
Finding more ways to incorporate technology, can prove to enhance the learning experience for the students. There are several applications that can be used as supplemental course tools.
Tremayne Simpson
Clifton,
Finding more ways to incorporate technology, can prove to enhance the learning experience for the students. There are several applications that can be used as supplemental course tools.
Tremayne Simpson
I feel that by adding materials, guest speakers, and other material to our lesson plans to my course helps my students stayed focused and interested in the course
