using power point
poer point is very important to visulize images and topics you like to discuss daily
students like to see pathology images
like to understand the objectives of daily lectures
I think it depends on the student. Some benefit from being able to "sit back and listen" but some need to take notes or otherwise they may "zone out".
Hi Jessica,
Thank you for sharing some very good instructional expertise. You make a number of very good points about how to be more effective with your lectures and the media you choose to support it.
Gary
I agree that images play an important role in any lecture, but particularly in the somewhat simplistic and sterile format of Power Point.
As visual art and design lecturer, I have been disappointed in the powerpoint lectures that come with the required design text I've been using. Many of the relevant and exciting art history images for the design class I would have been excited to include and discuss were overlooked in the "ready-made" powerpoints. I find this limited format cramps my dynamic and spontaneous lecture style, so my advice is to create your own powerpoint (it's time consuming, but at least you can add additional images suitable for your teaching style and the lesson plan) or bring in actual image samples of what you are trying to teach (such as student works), in addition to utilizing websites as a teaching tool. I prefer to lecture without powerpoint and have students take notes...this also allows me to interact with the students more and move around the classroom. One method that worked during my first powerpoint lecture (that accompanied the textbook), was to pass around visual examples of designs and continue to engage students by asking questions.
Never do "chalk and talk" lectures, where the instructor talks and writes on the board (or "reads" a powerpoint), but doesn't engage or involve the students in verbal participation and discussion. Require them to take a "quiz" for participation points at the end of each lecture to make sure they are listening and not falling asleep!
I have found that in some lectures, I can stay on one slide of the powerpoint, or drawing, and complete the lecture. Sometimes this worries the students thinking I have to go over the whole lecture again. Its a nice tool to have, but the more I teach the class, I only have to use it as a rough guide.
Hi Andrew,
Each teacher has to find their style for how they are going to present the information to their students. I use a lot of handouts in addition to the text because the text cannot keep up with my field. The handouts are the latest information from the field.
I put my PPs online in a format that the students can print of with 6 slides per page and the note lines to the right of each slide. This way each student can take his/her personal notes as we cover the slide. This sounds like what you are doing and I like this method for keeping the students engaged.
Gary
I for one use powerpoint as a tool. I will not give handouts. I require them to take notes then later make the PP availible to them. Otherwise I feel they become to dependant on you to do the work for them. I think we should use it as a tool to facilitate their learning.
I agree with the GPS thought. I also find it helpful to make sure the class relates to the text so students are ready for future classes.
I like to use powerpoints as one of my instructional tools and as the primary way to deliver course content. However, I too, use, supplemental support materials, such as transparencies, internet sources, and cd-rom animations.
Hi Bonnie,
You are right on target with helping your students with gain the needed information by supporting their learning with the notes and the PP. This also helps them with the variety needed to keep them engaged in the learning process.
Gary
Too much PowerPoint can sometimes put the students to sleep. I try to incorporate other methods along with the PP. I also give handouts of the PP so that the student doesn't have to try and take notes. I have found that students have a hard time multitasking (taking notes and listening). I would rather they listen and watch demonstrations rather than try to write it all down, so I give them the notes that they normally should take.
Hi Michelle,
You are right about the PowerPoint useage. It has to be balanced to make sure you don't wear out the use of it.
The part of students needing to grow up is a good one. This is a common problem with many students they come to college with high school maturity. They have to "step to the plate" and grow up very quickly if they are going to be successful in their college education.
Gary
I completely agree! One can sure over use power point, but it is necessary for teaching...especially some of the classes I teach. I do have students who complain about the writing and copying, but that is how college goes! My comeback is to grow up and be college students! You are not in high school anymore!
I always review my PPT presentations prior to class and make sure that they are in direct correlation with the study material given to the students. I always include pictures when available because "a picture is worth a thousand words."
Use of PP acts as a GPS for students. It provides students as if they are in the driving seat.
Hi Andrew,
You are right about the use of PP in class. It is only a tool among many that can be used. You might want to use "guided notes" with your PPs. Guided notes is a partial outline of the PP presentation with the key or most important points missing. The guided notes help to keep the students focused on presentation while showing them what you consider the most important points as being. They then fill in these points on their handout. This way they know what you thing is important, keep focused on the presentation and have notes to study as they prepare for the tests.
Gary
We use power point in many classes, but I have found that it needs to be more of a supplemental tool, and shouldn’t be overused. I don’t believe it should be a replacement for note taking. Many times students just ask for a copy of the PowerPoint presentation in lieu of taking notes, and will also sometimes just tune out during the presentation when the lights go out.
