class hand outs
I have notice (after handing out) any topic of paper work to the class, most students just place that paper work away. But once I start, and bring up (what said topic) is about, they wake up. But not all students, read or at less look at it. To keep students focus, show why these "handout" are good for like: reference, the next test, or projects, and how it must be used. Not all topics are in books so "handout" are the next best think.
Hi Gerald,
I fully understand the sense of importance you put on the handout to encourage them to read it. Some students will follow your directive and do what they are suppose to and others will do want they want to. It is great to get 100% participation, but most of the time that does not happen. Continue to give your students great encouragement.
Patricia Scales
I explain that the hand out is very important,, the information in the hand out is on there quizes, the information is also hulpfull in doing daily tasks... the trick is to get them to look at it..I try to make them take notes and hilight several things as i lecture just to get them to look at it.. does this work? yes and no..
Hi Dan,
Fill-in-the-blank style is not a bad idea at all. Students really have to know their material to provide accurate answers. It is also a good way to deter cheating.
Patricia Scales
While at first I resisted, I have to admit that I've been using more and more "fill in the blank"-style handouts. The students need to pay attention to fill out the missing sections, and almost can't help but read at least a portion of it, to be able to understand that part they're filling in.
Hi Bonnie,
Awesome! You do a great job of preparing your students for tests! Handouts are good for students; they have something to refer to when they need to prepare.
Patricia Scales
I use a lot of handouts, they enforce learning. These handouts relate to testing materials. I stress the importance of review.
Hi Chris,
You are thorough, therefore you do not have grade challenges. Rubrics are life savers and great tools to reference when students question their grade.
Patricia Scales
I too am straight forward about handouts, review sheets and project criteria. I continually reference them during the length of the course especially up front. by week 3 they are used to looking at them and it builds an expectance of using them. Also, if a student questions a grade on say a project, then I can quickly show them side by side comparisons of the graded rubrick and the project specifications. I have not had a grade challenge in 12 years.
Frequently, the students in career colleges do not have time to organize or review hand out materials. They rely on the knowledge they can walk away with. Perhaps it is more effective to provide any handouts just before quizzes or projects so that they can use it for their review.
Hi Tu,
I have found that students enjoy and learn a lot from doing hands-on activities.
Patricia Scales
I do handouts, post note in bilingual. Most of student act like they neither read nor understand. So we have to do hands on demo.
Hi Nestor,
Students still need us to fully explain various concepts even though we utilize various teaching aides, such as PowerPoint, handouts, etc.
Patricia Scales
Although hand-outs and power point presentations are important, nothing can replace my explanations, illustrations and comparative examples of real life that bring home the message of the important material content that needs to be transmitted to the students that day.
Hi Barbara,
I like how you are straigtforward with your students. You let them know off the bat what is expected and what has to be done in order to be successful.
Patricia Scales
As far as handouts, I tell the students the importance of them in relation to what they need to know, but I also tell them that they will be given a certain amount of time before class is over to read the handout because there is going to be a quiz. The quiz will cover what the class discussion was about,as well as the information on the handout. It can be open book, and will be handed in before class is dismissed. This is done every class session, so they know they had better pay attention , and be ready to discuss the issues at hand.
Hi Vince,
I agree most students do not read. You have to reference the handout and share the importance of the handout so that the students become interested in looking at the handout.
Patricia Scales
