Hi Blanche,
I like an instructor that really "gets" into it when working with students. This passion sells well with students even if you are over the top and dramatic. This really engages the students even if they think that you are larger than life.
Gary
The method for small groups is good, it helps to be a little more one on one with a smaller group by trying to see where they are on the absorbtion of the material that is being delivered periodially during the presentation.I love to give my self experiences and to here the students as well, their is always someone in class who can relate to what you are teaching, just give them the oppitunity to share, I also like to be a little dramatic with my delivery i'll run from one end of the room to the just to see if they understsnd me. That's my chocolate method it drives the students crazy . This I believe helps with the quiet students input during class lecture, the interaction is great the students appreciate you more and they are more attentive. It also enhances the class.
Hi Kelly,
Great way to see the big picture of how to approach the classroom. Variety is an essential part of teaching because student brains need a change of pace if they are to stay engaged.
Gary
For me I have found that some of the best instructors are those who use multiple forms of teaching along with an ability to be a story teller, professional, and slightly animated.
I like lecturing but also feel it's important to change gears by doing in class disussions, groups, ativities, guest speakers, out of class activities, videos, hands on etc.
Hi Brenda,
You are right on with your planning and approach. I believe you are going to be able to really target the learning needs of your students with the planning and organization that you are developing.
Gary
Lectures most effective for students should include:
Consider learning style of the students
Clearly explained definitions of concepts,
Question-answer sessions,
Case presentation showing how to apply those concepts simple example: Theory "Pain is considered a fifth Vital sign" Application " Must assess pain level with each vital sign(Temperature-Blood Presure-Pulse-Respirations) assessment."
Power point presentations
Group discussions, etc.
Incorporating powerpoints which offer visual examples and content outlines is effective in maintaining attention and allows for additional learning methods. Incorporating examples from the field and questions for the students also allows activity on their end.
I am hoping to use mini lectures combined with case studies and problem solving as the core to my lesson plan. I will try to make the lectures interesting and relevant through tone inflections, movement and varied topics. I also plan a question and answer period during or following each mini lecture. This should help me ensure I have properly conveyed the topic.
I had also planned to draw from my years of experience but I really like your idea of trying to get them to draw from their own experiences. It seems when you make something personal it helps you understand and retain the information.
I agree. It makes students free proud when they can contribute to the overall discussion.
One way is role playing,also sharing life experiences. Allow students to give feedback on the subject matter.
I try to make sure that I am adding more to a term or concept than a slide is offering in textual content.
I also try to pull from 30 years of business experience where the concepts being taught are associated with real-life situations I have experienced.
It is most effective, however, if I can get them engaged in sharing life experiences that fit within the discussion topic at hand.
I think offering personal experience seems to be very helpful. I also am always looking for relevant examples of how things relate in professional journals and even the newspaper.This underscores the relevance of the material we are discussing to their profession.
Outlines & Questions - they are what I find effective in lecturing. The outline ensures I cover the objectives of the lecture, and questions are what I use to engage the class in feedback. Feedback is more than just answers to closed ended questions. It is the judicious use of open ended questions and it is also that question or comment from a student that sparks a guided discussion rather than a lecture. While this is not always appropriate to subject matter it is a great way to involve your students and help them learn that they already have many of the answers and abilities needed to successfully complete a course of study.
Hi Dorothy,
Thank you for the kind words. I wish you much success in your teaching efforts. I know you are going to great classes with your modified instructional approach.
Gary
This course has been very informative. I think I have some better ammunition now to make my lectures more informative. I need to cut down the lecture times to 10-15 minutes and intersperse those mini-lectures with small-group work time, reading time, writing time, etc. I can see how that would really help my class learn more and retain more. This course -- and everyone's responses in this forum -- is very helpful!
Lectures have always been challenging for me. So one of the ways I would try to make my lectures more effective for my students is to have more open discussion on the topics of that day. First the material would be presented and then a "Question & Answer" session would commence. But after that I would try to get the students to think about how the topic might effect their lives and the lives of their families. This will show who was actually listening to the lecture.
Implementing real world type scenarios to demonstrate the course content being studied is a way to keep the student engaged as well as help them understand the application of the material in their future career vs. just knowing the material in order to recieve a passing grade.
Hi Sara,
You have a good plan for instructional improvement. This way you know how to make the needed changes so you will have instructional improvement. Also, these changes help to make the course fresh to you even when you have taught it numerous times before.
Gary
I have taught the same class 4 times now and what I have found to be very helpful, is to review my lecture notes at the end of every phase. I work out kinks, make appropriate changes and add new content if necessary. Also, as an instructor I am continuously learning so I will also add new up to date and current info in my lectures where applicable.
