Always learning
As module 1 described, there will always be students in the classroom who will know more about the topic than us instructors. What I try to do (I will admit I use to get peeved when the one person continued to try to answer everything.), is I try to include some of their information for future references and future classes. I also tend to move around the room a-lot, and I will sometimes have different areas of the classroom have the ability to answer/ask questions so it will bring more people into the discussion and class.
It's amazing what you can learn from your students sometimes.I did not know you could install a swing arm on a motorcycle up side down untill one of my students did it. J.P.
I agree with this as instructors we have to be perpared to accept some of our may have had previous training or hands on expearance in the area you are teaching I try to use them to help teach the class
I also move around a lot to let my students know that I do care about thier comments and not just center on one group of people. We are always learning, or should be, and I encourage things that they have been taught differently from what I have. Dont we always try to improve?
A teacher/instructor must be open to learning new methods and be willing to accept this information from whatever source. I have learned from students,other instructors,magazines,siminars etc. The point is that is does not matter where you get the information. You will be amazed how much you can learn if you just pay attention.
In my class I ask the students if anyone has first hand knowledge of a new area we are going to dicuss? When they affirm their pre existing knowledge we build from there. It seems to give them more confidence to participate and gives them a sense of pride.
hello, i also like you stated ' walk around the class alot" it keeps the students engaged and as well gives me a chance to walk around and keep tabs on them.
Rich
My kitchen environment allows constant movement for all students including the instructor. No down time. Always vibrant & students are doing what they have a passion for. Easy to get new culinary material, it's in every obvious resource that I seek out & that they seek out & share daily with one another.
I also learn from students. I always ask them did you hear somethin new related to the subject, and they give me feedback. This aspect involves them in the discussion.
I agree to let the rest of the class know how a student had showed me a another way to do a function on the computer. This makes them feel good about what they know and encourage other to share with teir classmates what they know.
I feel that to stay current as a subject mater facillitator I need to remain open to learning, whatever the source. I know that I dont have all the answers and don't pretend to have them either.
I talk to my students about the various projects my other classes or myself are working on. New
projects and ideas.
I ask them about things they are wondering about concerning the main topics of our class today.
I try to model that I and many others are all just learners.
I tell them you learn everyday. When you stop learning - you are starting to die.
Great job Sarah! I know that you make you classroom/intruction interesting for all.
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED107 Facilitator
I teach verbal communications. Many times I have students come in at different levels. We work on growing exponentially from there. I make them aware that they can learn from each other. I try to get them to think about always seeking out and learning from the best. I try to make them think of themselves as colleagues. I always tell my student that if I'm not learning everything is just status quo and whose to say what is taking place.
It is all about energy. How can we rise together. They figure out their class dynamics and build from there.
Hi CAthryn!
I really like your approach. I can see how this will keep students engaged.
Keep up the good work!
Jane David
ED107 Facilitator
I teach Journalism. I like to use current newspapers or magazine articles that are no more than a few weeks old to update the class.
Therefore, the course itself is constantly being altered so that students become the readers while being forced to think as writers. I list 5 to 10 questions that I intend to cover during class discussion on the board. This often promotes students who are traditionally shy to participate as they have more time to prepare an adequate answer. I also try to walk around the room as the students are reading and during our discussion. This gives me an altered vantage point for calling on students.
Hi Anthony!
You made some great points about moving around in the classroom. I, too, find that it better connects me to the students - especially those who are easily distracted, tired or just don't want to participate. It connects us all somehow!
Good job!
Jane Davis
ED107 Facilitator
I feel moving around the class gives a great opportunity to have that one on one with the learners, plus, it usually invokes questions from the ones who do not like to speak up in front of the class or from others who feel their questions are things they should all ready know or cannot remember the answer to. It also gives me an opportunity to learn techniques and information about the student and their cultures.
Moving around in the class helps the students to be more at ease. Some are more willing to ask questions when you are walking by there table.
An intructor should be always open to learnd something new from students without lering them know you did so this way you won't look bad.
