"Ah-ha" through deviations
I teach computer classes, some of which include keyboarding. If you’ve ever taken a keyboarding class, you may understand that the repetition can become boring for the students. My primary challenges have been to keep motivation high and make it relevant not only to their educational career, but also to their future career goals. I find that by deviating from the canned curriculum I can keep the motivation high. Every other class period, I use Internet typing games, PowerPoint games my colleague and I designed, simulations of what they may encounter in the workplace, and other relevant material that breaks up the monotony. For some students, the “Ah-ha” moments come through these deviations.
Robin, I like your approach and try to do the same thing. I do tend to deviate from the canned curriculum when necessary when keeping in mind of the students future goals. Things change and so should we. Monotony is boring and we tend to lose the students interest. I like handouts, team sessions and media to reinforce the material so that they can also get that Ah-ha moment.
Hi Greg,
That Ah-ha moment is why we coming back to school each day. To share and grow with our students. Keep up the good work.
Gary
I love to watch my students in our rotations the last weeks leading to finals ,most all of them get the Ah-ha factor. Oh now I get it. and now that makes since. COOL feeling.
The "every other class period" approach sounds like such a good idea. I'm sure the students are developing their keyboarding skills on the "regular" class days and then look forward to the "fun" days where they are applying those learned skills. I especially like the idea of simulations of what they may encounter in the workplace; that has to make it so much more "real" for them.
Joanie
