Dr Meers,
Before discussing some subject I try to explain why he or she needs to know that, where and how he or she can apply this knowledge, what consequences may happen if he or she does not understand the subject.
Having provided this information, it is much easier to explain it.
Interactive software is a key
I've used visual aids, like PowerPoint slides, or a demonstrating a concept on a white board. On occasion, I'll engage students with a question that relates to the topic, which helps them think about the material.
Asha,
Good way to set the class up for learning success. You are giving them learning blocks that they can use to step from one concept to another in an understandable and sequential manner.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
being focused on student's mental awareness for that session is important. I try and get the feel of the class before I sart my lecture for the day. It also helps to ask neutral questions like how was the weekend or how are your other classes progressing etc.
giving a snapshot of topics covered last class also helps to connect the new topics for the day and gives the students a perspective on what it is that they are learning.
Jim,
Thank you for these great comments on how to approach the classroom in a way that engages and supports each member of the class. I know what you mean about a good feeling when a student that has struggled in school earns a grad in the A - B range and the feeling they have as a result. This is why we keep coming back to the classroom.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Knowledge of the material and knowledge of the studentsilities. The abilities of idividual classes have to be taken into consideration to know at which point to start. What may be basic material from previous classes maybe lacking for what ever reason. Those that learned the answers to pass and no intersest in the material are lost in following classes. When that is class norm the presentation of previous class material has to be done. When the class norm is set by serious students most preliminaries are eliminated and more time can be spent on expanding the material beyond class requirements and prepare students for the next class.
When I have a class starting I have observed them from the classroom next door and know from previous instructors their ability and their efforts.
For those with problems I keep to basics and expand class material around the basics. For classes driven by hard-chagers I expand the materials into a lot of whys, what ifs, what will be seen on the job. What is covered in a week with a class looking to pass and don't care about knowledge from the class,a hard charging class it will be covered and understood by Wed, morning. I expand available material (often internet supplied) to expand their knowledge.Often those that try hard can not always keep up with their classmates. With a little extra help and support of classmates this is the first time in their life they end up with a B+ or A range score. They are happy as a lark, their classmates have pride in everybody passing.
A usually poor student getting top grades is the crowning glory of being an instructor.
Always being prepared with both the material I would like to cover for that sessiona along with lessonn plan for the day to stay focused. I also like to incorporate videos and mini demos while covering the material.
Heather,
Thanks for the kind words about the course and that you learned a lot from it. Teaching is fun but does take a lot of planning just as you say. Each time you teach the course you will have some additional strategies to try, just like the use of the study cards and empty drug bottles. You are expanding your touch points for learning each time.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
In my veterinary pharmacology class, I have to cover many drugs in only 5 weeks which is a huge challenge. The second time I taught the course, I passed around blank notecards for students to fill in key points for a few select drugs covered during the lecture - to make them active learners. For example, drug trade name, generic name, mg strength, category, mode of action, dosages, monitoring/side effects. They could then use these cards as flash cards for studying.
The other thing I did during lecture was pass around empty drug bottles so they see the packaging, etc. This helped the tactile and visual learners.
I enjoyed the course. Thank you.
James,
I wish you much teaching success. I hope your first class session goes well and that you enjoy being an educator.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
as a new instructor that has not had the chance to lead any lectures, i do not feel that i am prepaired to discuse this porthion at this time. i do plan to review, and implament many of the suggestions from the course.
Iwayemi,
Good list of strategies for engaging students and keeping them focused on the course.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
First of all, by establishing rapport with my students. By adopting various learning styles, thus giving different students the opportunity to comprehend what I am teaching in the classroom.
Also, by making my lectures more interesting and conversational for maximum student benefit and participation.
Tara,
I have found the same. Stories from the field help to make the course content real for the students.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Mabel,
This is a very well balanced approach to teaching. You are helping your students to learn through different methods and strategies. I wish you much success in your teaching efforts.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
by observing what they respond to the most, and trying to use it in most of my classes
I've found that students really enjoy hearing stories of your experinces in the field. It reminds them that you're still a healthcare worker like they are training to be.
To make my lectures more effective for students,
1) I try to use plenty of outside resources to have additional examples, etc for the class
2) I create classroom handouts
3) I plan in-class group projects
4) I use a lot of "in-the-field" examples.
Preparing key points, organizing key points, giving hints about coining mnemonics to remember the key headings/items would help in making a lecture more effective.
