Combining classes
In our curriculum we have to combine module 1 students with module 2 students for a 2 week theory period to finish module 2's theory requirements. My module 1 class takes notes, has great class participation on all the subject matters and very eager to learn. The module 2 class came from a different teacher. They are eager to learn and good students and make good grades, however they do not take notes or want to participate in classroom discussion. Neither module has had the theory subject matter before. Any suggestions on how to get them more motivated for participation? Don't want the module 1 class to overshadow the module 2 class and lose interest.
Georgianna,
Wow you have a tough teaching assignment with having to present for 60-75 minutes via powerpoint and lecture. Since the small group/case study/discussion format will not work the focus needs to be on the examples you give and how dynamic you are in presenting the content. The good news is that you are seeing some improvement in the attitudes of your students as a result of some time being spent with the other students. I wish you continued teaching success.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
That is not possible. We do power point lectures. Theory is for approximately 60-75 minutes depending on the day. Most of the remaining chapter are small and they may take approximately 1-2 days of lecture time, then a review and test. Then we move on to the next chapter during this 2 week period. kAfter that time together, the module 2 students become module 3 students and module 1 advance to module 2. The module 2 students did start to interact today during the lecture with the module 1 which seem to set a better tone.
Georgianna,
Can you mix the Module 1 and Module 2 students together in small groups of 3-5 students? Then assign them a case study to work on so they can interact with each other and develop a new cohort group. Since each Module group is a cohort mixing them as well as the Module 2 group having another teacher puts them in the new student role in your combined class for the two weeks. So the more you can get them to work with others the more engaged they will be. Another thing you can do for them is to provide guided notes over the theory sections. This way they can focus on interaction and will have something to guide them as you go through the lecture.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
