If you are teaching in a career college simply tie every lesson into real world situations. I teach an international cuisine class which deal with items not found in most American kitchens, so I talk about setting yourself apart from the competition and finding your nitch.
I would like some more insight on the mini-lecture approach. In the course of 80 minute class, is the time broken up and discussion is somewhat structured? Is this the best approach when the material is quite complex and completely new for the student?
I use many different styles in the classroom so that I can reach each learning style. I usually lecture for 20 minutes, and I have a powerpoint up that highlights the important ideas. The powerpoint always has pictures that the students love. I usually hear them talking about it in the halls during break! I also use some hands on exercises that keep the tactile learners interested. I try to keep a good balance in the classroom.
Hi Wendy,
This is a great way to personalize and customize instruction based upon the needs of your students. Getting to know them at the beginning of the course helps them to know that you care about their success and you are going to base your instructional planning around what you have learned about their learning preferences.
Gary
Hi Jennelle,
This is what makes learning have application and relevancy for students. The more they can relate course content to their own lives the higher the motivation level is going to be. Good job with bringing in current applications.
Gary
Hi Mahnaz,
This is how content and skills are stored in the working memories of students. The more they practice the more the information is integrated into their working abilities.
Gary
I have brought my experiences into the classroom. I have brought in speakers that also have reinforced what I teach. From the 1st day of class I find out what experiences my students have had I try to bring that forward so we can all benefit from eachother.
I get a few days to know them prior to the first lecture. I get a sense of what they will understand and look carefully for those who seem to get lost in lecture and try to demonstrate or even put everyone in small groups to practice skills and such. The students like the variation in style and it seems to keep their interest. I also look for immediate feedback from them.
Hi Heather,
I would suggest you spend some time looking at websites that offer instructional strategies for middle/high school teachers. You will find there are a host of them that will be valuable to you. Take the suggestions and strategies they list and adapt them to postsecondary instruction.
If you can't find anything that will work for you let me know and I will get you some additional resources that will be of help.
Gary
short lectures, power points, and visual pictures
I am using examples and cases for each system that i give, power points, using the board and draw the system, animations
I would plan to accomodate the differnt learning preferences of the students by making sure I have handouts, use visual aids, ask lots of questions and use lots of examples. I would also make sure that each and every student understand what is being presented to them. I believe that talking about real life situations that apply to the lesson can help them to see that the lesson can be applied outside of school.
This is a difficult task for me based on the parameters I have to follow. Some subjects are easier than others to switch up your teaching instruction, where others are much more diffcult to be creative in your teaching. I would appreciate any references to websites or books that would help me to be better a better instructor in this part of teaching.
I have always liked the idea of giving the students a choice in their learning. They become active participants and retain much more information.
I provide them with real world examples in their field as often as possible. Current events are discussed as they relate to the topics being taught. I utilize different methods of teaching including lectures, group projects, oral presentations by students, and videos to demonstrate the topic being discussed.
I plan on incorporating visual, auditory, and tactile teaching methods in all lessons. Additionally, when students are given an assignment, there are broad instructions that will give the students the opportunity to complete the activity in the best way that benefits their learning. I think it is also important to discuss with students what teaching methods are most helpful for them.
I do demonstration of certain skills, and students return demo the same day. They have a chance to practice the skill several times till they feel comfortable.
I try to use a variety of styles, and pay attention to the styles that the students respond to the best, and then emphasize those styles. Also, sometimes it is valuable to ask the students what their preferences are.
Hi Jamie,
Good for you. You are lucky because students get really excited about the application phase of their classes. You are offering them great opportunity to learn in a realistic way.
Gary
I am lucky that I teach most labs, I find that students are more interested in labs.
