Preparation
Even though I have taught classes over and over again, it is easy to use the materials over again. However, I have learned that each class is different and re-prepping or finding something new to use in each class keeps it refreshing for both the instructor and the learner. This is easy to do with current events. It allows the student to put what their learning in the classroom into practical use and help them see the end result.
Christine Storms
I teach the same types of courses, and I find this approach you've described so helpful to my students and myself. It's empowering for them, as you've said, to realize that there is always room for more critical thought.
At the end of the quarter I ask for anonymous feedback about a variety of things including what I should keep or toss if I get to teach that class again. I've used that along with what I think worked to re-do classes.
Hi Robert,
The key for students is to feel included in the course. Human nature is to feel more left out than included in. As instructors we have to work hard to help them to feel that they are "really" a part of the class and all that goes on inside of it. Your use of their contributions and insights are excellent ways of helping that to occur, plus it gives you additional material to use in the future. A win win for everyone.
Gary
I tell students matter-of-factly that my courses are always under revision from one term to the next. (I teach writing and literature courses.) Certainly, I tell them, with literature and art, the analysis and interpretation never ends; that's what makes art what it is, that it CAN'T be codified into a static, unchanging thing. I tell them also that they themselves are contributing to the course; by offering their thoughts during discussion, they provide an ever-growing body of thought to any one text for me to refer to during future classes. When I hear a particularly interesting or insightful comment, I'll freely tell them that I'll use that it the next time I teach that course (without giving them credit, I jokingly add, and yes, I AM kidding about that!). Sometimes student questions and comments show up in prompts or assignments (or AS assignments) for future classes, and I tell those future classes that this particular question, for instance, was first asked by a previous student. I want that to motivate them to see that they do have something to contribute to the overall body of thought in society, that the course material is alive and relevant and growing and will never go stale. Indeed, sometimes they even playfully (but seriously too) compete with each other to provide ever more insightful and intriguing comments in order to shape the course in that way.
Thanks Christine,
I agree! Even if one has taught a course several times, preparation is still needed. Online courses are no different. I try to prepare for even those that I feel I have taught 10 times already. There is often a new and refreshing perspective to consider.
Cheryl Anderson
