monitoring students
Monitoring students is important for an instructor to get an idea of how the students are receiving information and processing it. For some students it is difficult to verbalize to an instructor that maybe they don't understand a concept. Monitoring helps the instructor decide if it is necessary to change the means of a lesson to accomodate more students
As I monitor students, I find it easier to read their visual cues. Some students do not speak up during class, but their body language tips me off that as the instructor I need to ask a question to verify understanding of a topic. I always look for the student that indicates to me that as a whole the class is understanding.
I am a drafting instructor and student monitoring is essential to keep the course moving. I am constantly looking over my lab trying to see who is struggling. Students in my field have the tendency to want to figure things out fo themselves, which is good, but sometimes too much time is spent on a particular problem. By monitoring the classroom, I am able to recognize when this happens and give them a "boost" in the right direction.
Some times I wish I had their cell numbers and could text them the directions. Maybe they would read them through BEFORE asking procedural questions if they came in that form.
I would agree, as an instructor, it's our responsibility to assure our students are absorbing/retaining the information being lectured.
I think this is a good point because students start to realize you are of whats going on in the class when they think you aren't aware.
Sarah, I really like this use of technology. I actually suggested in a training that I delivered to career college instructors that they use cell phones on occasion for learning rather than being held hostage by student phone use. I did not get very good response from that suggestion. But I think that instructors are going to have to deal with communication technology in the classroom.
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
Sarah
Thanks for your reply. I agree that each instructor needs to decide what is appropriate for his/her course and that students need to know this at the beginning of the course. Each school does have their vown student handbook/policies which are appropriate to the school, student population, and program of study.
We just recently had an inservice on this topic because it seems every instuctor and/or school feels differently about the use of technology in the classroom. The general consensus seemed to be each individual instructor must decide for themself. I have found it effective to say at the start of a course something to the effect of there may be times when I may not know the answer to a question and you may not know so I may ask you to get out your PDAs, lap tops etc and let's see if we can find the answer together. It can also be a good teachable moment on credibility of sources. Otherwise my students know I do not expect to see them texting or using their "technology".
I just received an email from Maxx Knowledge asking me to reply to my own post from earlier today
I would really like to hear from my educator colleagues how they monitor sudents and manage laptops, texting, and PDA use in their classrooms
I have some good ideas but always can use more
Thanks
Susan
I agree with Karmen's observations regarding monitoring the classroom environment. This is particularly true in the information age where students bring laptops PDA's and cell phones to class. For example, if accessing the internet while working on a group project for reference material, this is apppropriate use of technology in the classroom. However, texting a friend or accessing facebook during class is not. The student handbook and class syllabus can specify in writing what is (and is not) acceptable use of technology during class. I am wondering if anyone has some good tips for managing this?
Very well put Kamen!
It's about staying in touch with students in our classrooms. People want to recognized for their success and helping them along the one says that they are important to you the instructor.
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
Well, in my personal opinion monitoring is a very important tool, not only to recognize students with disabilities and certain learning challenges, but also for the instructor to be an effective barometer for what is going on in the classroom at all times. It is always a good thing to make adjustments on the go that keep students on track, focused, and engaged in the learning process.
Hi Elizabeth!
I actually like to prepare as though I will have at least 1 or 2 students with challenges and therefore, I treat all presentation materials, handouts, etc. as such. A little extra emphasis placed in certain areas can't hurt any of us. Then as we discover those with the actual challenge, we can adjust as needed.
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
I have to agree with you Gena. It can also help you pick out where your learning disabilities are. Those students with dyslexia or ADD/ADHD are not going to volunteer that information, and sometimes you can pick these students out just by watching their actions. Thanks for the observation!
