security
improved security in the classroom will increase outcome.improve learning qualities.
I have found that the students security often depends on how far a student has progressed through his education career.
David, public speaking to some is a stronger fear then death. Always good to know the experience level of your students with regard to their skills and feelings about speaking in front of a group. You may need to build some more skills into your lesson plan if one of the desired outcomes is for each student to speak publicly.
James Jackson
The student workbook may be a good way to help students solidify the previous day's lecture.
The assignment was to complete several sets of questions, but each student received a number corresponding to one of the questions to share with the class. This may have threatened the security of some class members and contributed to a difficult quarter. Next quarter we expect students from three or four different career programs. Assigning some of the questions to groups for consideration should allow them to be more confident in their responses to the class.
Amy, great post and an area that needs more attention in the area of teaching and learning. Scaffolding is also an important area where the instructor uses a strategic focus on the curriculum and how each lesson builds on itself over time. Between scaffolding and constructivism instructors can have very powerful tools in their toolkit.
James Jackson
I enjoyed the part regarding constructivism. with adult learners it is easy to help students to continue to learn based on what they already know.
Students who feel secure within a classroom setting are more likely to be a success. If they know they aren't going to be shot down by a "dumb" answer, they are more likly to step out of their comfort level. With each success they will continue on their path of learning.
