Teaching outside the box
Susan
During my Radiation Safety course, I had to teach basic atomic physics on about a tenth grade level ~ I found that by taking my lessons into the Star Trek realm, the students were able to consider theories outside their understanding of logic without fear of reprisal. This lead to some very interesting discussions ~ and good understanding of those pesky theories.
Hi Herjit - Thanks for your post to the forum. It must be really exciting to see their reactions when they "get it" by looking at something in a different way! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Hello Wilbur,
I also find that teaching students science requires them to think outside of the box. They are so used to seeing things from one dimension that it requires them to unlearn the old material in order to comprehend the new one.
Thanks,
Herjit
I find it hard to teach at an acute hospital because I a long term care nurse and have never worked acute care. I am used to chronic illnesses. Thank goodness the acute care nurses at the hospital take our students under thier wings.
In high school classes a professional
observer -- the principal -- objected to my distracting asides which are impromptu elaborations of course material that go "outside the box," and sometimes are rather like free association and humorous.
In the skills college environment with adult students these asides seem to be enjoyed by all, and sometimes even make the mathematics course more interesting.
Hi Wilbur- Meeting your students on their level of comfort (even Star Wars!) is an excellent idea . "Live long and prosper!" Susan
