Hi Tarek,
This is a very good strategy to use with classes to include all students. This way everyone is valued and give input in a way that keeps the class moving forward.
Gary
As an instructor there are many different instructional styles that should be employed in the classrooms. I believe this is very motivational way to engage the students with learning. I say this because, everyone learns in a different way. I feel that this is a great way to ensure that I reach all of my students.
Add more variety, mix it up a bit. Let the students talk more, have small group projects. Listen more effectively. Smile more and dont take myself so seriously. Continue to study and learn, talk to other teachers about the things they find successful. Let my passion and enthusiasm shine through.
I always like to take time to assess the group of students I have per module, by having them engage in some group activities. This helps me to see what are some of there weak and strong points, and it also e understand what type of learners they are.
I tend to use the route of first a self evaluation in the form of a essay. The essay should contain what you learned, how they can and will apply their new knowledge and should also contain what they wanted to learn as well. The second essay is a class evaluation on my strengths and weaknesses and my effectual style. I find that an essay is more beneficial to myself and the student and more indepth rather than a generic form to check boxes
using the "Pyramids" method encourages intereaction among students, especially students who are reluctant to speak out in class; the validation of students' ideas because they see that others in class have the same thoughts - although they may have reached them in different ways; the increased ability to manage difficult tasks.
Hi Tate,
What method to you use to get feedback from your students?
Thanks.
Gary
Hi Barbara,
Good point. I am sure we all have had such an instructor in our past. We were afraid just to enter the "Temple of Doom" or other wise known as a classroom. You knew for the next several hours there was not going to be a smile, laugh or light moment. Glad to hear you want to make your classroom one of comfort and share some light moments with your students.
Gary
Hi Barbara,
You have a great blend of instructional varieties going in your class. I am sure you have your students engaged and focused as a result of your lecture lengths, guest speakers, field trips. etc.. This is what good teaching is all about. Keep up the great work!
Gary
Hi Drieca,
You are covering so many different aspects of instruction that I know you have your students engaged throughout the class. Great job! The use of your "full time job" as a story source makes the course come alive because you have just lived that experience.
Gary
I think by listening to the students
I have found that over the years, an instructor must be motivated themselves in order to motivate their students--this seems to carry over in the classroom.Class participation and open discussions are excellent ways to get the students attention.
I totally agree humour is a great thing. It relaxes the students and they realize that you are touchable and human. The students relax and it helps break the monotony of the class. Some instructors I have had in the past, act as though they are unaccessible and forboding. The students react to those behaviors or characteristics and get a negative perception of the instructor and once they have that perception it is hard to change it.
As a general rule I tend to lecture for a maximum of 20 minutes and then give the class an assignment to keep them busy and then review what we did to end the class. My clinical lab class is always busy doing competencies so I lecture, demonstrate and then evaluate. It is always a good thing to invite guest speakers into the curriculum which will break any monotony. Basic Insurance is an example. By actually having speakers in the class, they can enhance the knowledge the students are learning and we have question and answer periods after the speaker finishes. The students also love to go on field trips of interest. I think using variety is the key to instruction. Students get bored with the same routine over and over so I have to mix it up and be creative with assignments or lectures. They love to hear experiences that I have had in the nursing field and seem to always remember those. Another way to keep the students learning is not to have a stern, unbendable mannerism. You have to be able to integrate with the students, let them know you are available for them when they need you, give them feedback routinely and praise them when they achieve their goals or encourage them if they have not yet reached them.
learn more practical ways to help students understand the topic
I teach an Audio Engineering Program,and I use a lot of hands on training with my students. I have recently been creating visual tutorials on certain tasks which re-enforce the subject being taught. Having students take these home and study them has greatly improved retention .
As an adjunct instructor who works fulltime in the field, I like to bring visuals and actual work I see everyday. I try to expose the student to real hands on material that I know they will see once this course is completed. I inform them of organizations that I am a current member of so they know I not only teach it, but live it!
Right now, I'm discussing HIPAA, privacy and how it relates in Health Information technology and Medical billing in the Physicians office. the students have to do a "mock" presentation of HIPAA violating in a doctor's office by putting together as if this is the Doctor's office. They will inform the other students of the HIPAA do's and don'ts in an actual presentation.
I'm a talker...so I love lecturing! I'm able to keep my students involved because I discuss "rude patients", and how to handle them, what happens when I don't like my co-worker BUT she's an excellent account manager (has happened to me in the past), and life skills as to what REALLY matters in the work place. I consider myself a "hands-on" instructor, and so far..it seems to work well for all.
Hi Andrea,
One of the things I have used in my classes is a forum format. I put the students into groups of 3-4 students and assign them a topic or case study. They research it and then each person takes a part of the presentation. They sit in front of the class behind a table. By sitting, being behind the table and having 2-3 other people beside them their nerves are not so great. I have found that with a couple of these types of presentation their self confidence increases and they are much better prepared to make a solo presentation.
Gary
At the end of each module of teaching I asked each student to do a question and answer base on the subject matter and review it with the class as an instructor. I fine that very helpful to some but others are not comfortable participating. How can I better use this teaching method? In their future career public speeking and case presentation is definitely a part of the job.
Hi Rosemary,
Good point and I know your teaching expertise will be expanded.
Gary
