Hi Glenda,
Another strength to what you are doing with the textbook with the questions being asked at the end of the session is that it shows to the students the importance you place on the text. Many instructor just assign the chapters in the text and never refer to it again. If the content is important then by referring to it and using in various reinforces to the students that they need to be reading it and keeping current on the assignments.
Keep up the good work. You are doing a great job of providing variety in instruction for your students.
Gary
I like to have the students use the text books included in the module by having them answer a few of the questions at the end of a chapter. Going over the answers as a group gets verbal participation. During the lecture time, I will use the overhead projector to have them high light areas on a support handout to reinforce what they are seeing. For example, when we are working on nerve pathways or other anatomy systems this helps those who have difficulty with retention. The program also some short video presentations which are great because we can pause for questions. Every lecture has a supporting lab to reinforce the lecture material with hands on application. When I am covering a modality that is not a strong point, utilizing a guest speaker keeps them inerested. Being a new teacher and mostly fill-in sub, not using these tools can make managing the group more difficult.
Hi Michael,
What a great story. You were all set to know what to expect when you stepped into the classroom. Not many people have that opportunity.
Gary
Read a lot and watch others teach.
I grew up watching my father who was a school principal so I got teaching by osmosis
This is something I am striving each day...I try to create some good relationships wqith my students for them to communicate more freely during the classes and revealed their issues.
Hi Caridad,
Technology is fun to use as a learning tool. The variety it offers engages students in the learning process in a variety of ways. Just a little caution make sure that you include the human factor, yourself in the process. Let them know that you care about them and their success. By establishing rapport with them they will be more likely to use the technology needed for learning success.
Gary
I love technology!!! I enjoy researching the new technological advances with the hope of finding new gadgets to introduce lessons to my students. My goal is to accelerate learning using technology that provides that end. I believe students enjoy new things that engage more senses and thus learn more and faster this way. Also, new technologies offer the opportunity of opening minds and open minds absorb more and quicker.
Hi Patrick,
Touching the life of students is but one of the legacies that a teacher has an opportunity to leave. It is a great opportunity to train the next generation of professionals in each of our respective fields.
Gary
Yes it is very exciting to teach and being able to touch the life of students
Hi Bernie,
I am aware of different computer based worksheets in the business area though I have not worked with them directly. I would suggest that you contact Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) at acteonline.org and see if they can refer you to some sites. They have a business education division that should be able to help you find what you need.
Gary
In an accounting class you should be teaching to the computer resouces. This is what they will be using out in the field so why not train them that way from the beginning.
Gary,
I am a business instructor that wants to use more technology in the classroom. ie in accounting i want the students to be able to develop forms and journals in excel and be able to start to use the computor more for their job will probably have computor needs. I want them to be able to do the work with paper first but will transform them into a computor enviroment.
Hi John,
Glad to hear it. Not only will your students learn content but you will keep them interested through doing. Hands on learning a very powerful method of keeping students engaged in the learning process.
Gary
I feel that I have a very hands on style verses lecturing. I think the students will learn more by doing instead of watching.
That is definitely good advise. In addition to this it is also important to apply that advice and criticizm to your own skillset.
Hi Stacey,
The idea of observing other instructors is a good one. It is always a learning experience when you are watching someone else work.
What are some of the things you might be looking for when you watch another instructor?
Gary
Observe my colleagues and get to know the subject in great detail as well as know the students.
learn from others, ask questions, be open to new idea's a be willing to accept critcizm!
I completely agree, not only do you get the motivated student excited about the subject matter but you help to bridge a possible communication gap with the student that is having difficulties.
Hi Paul,
Good idea for using your student resources. By having the students help each other and exchanging ideas the students are getting not only your experience but the experience of other students as well.
Gary
