Course Content
Again, this section advocates a one-size-fits-all approach to teaching.
I use interactive PowerPoint lectures followed up by class work.
Some of my powerpoints might be longer than 15-18 minutes, but they are interactive.
This works for me and my classes. I teach English. This style might not work for teaching Psychology.
Paul,
This is why many of us teach. The transition, from blank stare to light bulb is the reward we get from all of our planning and effort as instructors. Even better is having graduates come back after a few years and telling us the impact we had on their lives and careers.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
This is very true. Even the same class needs constant tailoring of the lesson from one day to the next.
But it is great to see students go from that "deer in the headlights" look to the one that says they have confidence that they "have it."
Paul,
You have commented frequently about there cannot be one-size-fits-all and this is so true. The content is meant to be a guide so instructors can take the information and shape it into a format that fits their instructional delivery format. The 15-18 minute range is based upon research that says students need a mental shift after this length of time. If you are providing such an opportunity through your interactive PowerPoint lectures then their ability to stay engaged is increased. The key to all good instruction is the ability to "read" students, select viable content and then deliver it in a way that keeps them engaged and focused. There is not nor has there ever been a one-size-fits-all delivery that works because if there was then all instruction would be delivered via machines just as B.F. Skinner attempted to do back in the 60's. The human factor of interacting with students is what brings satisfaction as an educator.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
