ReFocus
This section really helped me...because there are times when I start to wear out and get frustrated when I feel my teaching methods are being reached to the student. It usually happens towards the end of the term. But now I know I need to step back and refocus to get re-energized!
Alan,
Thanks for sharing this diversion that helped to keep your students focused. This little activity went a long way in getting them to laugh, talk and share with classmates as you helped them get refocused on the course content.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I think to refocus is important. I teach 2 classes a day. The night class is tough, due to students working and tired or family and tired. I have to pull all the stops out. I have to stay fresh with new things and let the students breathe as well. Today for instance, I could see the eyes glaze over. I made everybody go out side with me and take a selfie on there cell phones. They all laughed. When we came in I said look at them and I said that is way you are here. They loved it. Fun, out of the box and got through lecture.
Great information, as a new instructor these tips will help. Having students write down their successes with the class at any point in the semester is good advise. It would help me as their instructor as to what I am doing well and help to empower the student.
William,
This is a very good point. I give my students 3X5 cards and have them evaluate their experience once we complete a project, activity or assessment. They don't sign the cards so they can be candid with their feedback. This way I can make adjustments while the course is still operating. With end of course evaluation it is too late for the current students. I will say that over the years of using this method my students have been candid with their opinions but never mean nor have they ever vented. I respect them for being professional in relation to their input.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I appreciated the tips in this section but have learned over the years to reassess halfway through each CLASS, as well as after each class. An instructor who waits till the middle of the term is inviting an unnecessary crisis mentality and might need to work on his/her situational awareness in the classroom.
Gayle,
I face these same three questions each session I teach. I over the years have developed strategies to try and answer these questions and provide increased student support. Still do not have the total package together as the human factor in students come through and bring me new challenges that I have not encountered before. Teaching is always a developmental process to say the least.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
This is a beneficial section and focuses us on "refocusing" for the second half. It does get discouraging when you think your students should be scoring higher than they are and then you have it reaccess; is it that there is too much content to cover and too little time?; do the students not have enough time to really grasp the concept?; are the students just not applying themselves enough outside of class to have a "do whatever it takes" mentality to get "the job done"?. If I were to answer these three questions myself, I would say YES to all three. Now comes the challenge....
I tend to stay strong through the course, but sometimes the students basic reading, writing and math skills bring me down. It is hard to keep a good steady pace when words have to be constantly defined.
LaTanya,
Great to hear about the help you got from this section. It happens to all of us so we need to strive to remain fresh and not lose our enthusiasm as the course progresses.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
