The book is too advanced
I have faced the problem where the only textbook available to support the software that is being taught is too advanced for students or the writing is sometimes confusing when trying to complete tutorials. What should I do?
In this case it will take more effort from you to "translate" the text into something more accessible to the student’s level. I would do a Power Point presentation with demo images. I found Print Screen function quite helpfull for this.
Hi R. King,
Great way to solve an instructional issue. You gave options to your students and they appreciated having this kind of input. Thanks for sharing this strategy with us.
Gary
I had the same problem. Too advanced and too much work to cover in a quarter. There were several readings within the chapter that covered the same topic, I allowed the students to preview and select the work they wished to read. They were placed in reading groups that included gtoup discussion sessions. This increased interest in the class and made the course easier to teach.
I would weed out the information and write an outline for the key information. In addition I would indetify key terms and give the students a list to work with. It is important students noty feel overwhelmed by material that is too complex for their level of knowledge. Unfortunatly , often instructors are stuck with the book that has been selected by their institution and must deal with it. Take what you can from it, simplify lectures, test on relevant material and use support materials to enhance student understanding.
Hi Ari,
It takes a little effort but I go and pull out of the textbook the key knowledge points. I put them in outline form so the students can follow along with me when I do a lecture or demo. The outline shows them the points that they need to take notes about and can study from.
Gary
