I teach the first pastry course, Introduction to Breads. When I ask what their dream is they usually say they want to decorate wedding cakes. I say I decorate with razor blades when I slash the bread. When we start to discuss dough we mix flour, salt and water and then wash out the starch and make a chewy vegetarian dish, fried gluten. Buy this time they are curious and they are sure we are going to make more than Wonder bread.
Hi Hector,
Based on the cooperative learning and you being the students partner how has respect played a factor?
Patricia
Hi Jannie,
What type of things are discussed during the 15-minute open forum?
Patricia
In order to get the students involved in the course, I make sure they have a very good understanding of the course content, explain to them what they will learn and how the course content is revelant to their future career. I also give them examples of application of skills and how theses applications will benefit them in their chosen field.
Some of the methods I use to get students excited about my course and understand course requirements are:
Show excitement myself about Ford products
and exciting new technogy found in their
vehicles.
Inject humor where possible to lighten the
the mood and help students relax which will
enhance learning.
Present a logical flow of course
requirements,making it easier to remember
and understand.
Explaining how the skills they aquire will translate to the work place and help them reach thier goals.
I LET THEN PRACTICE USING TRAINING AIDS ON THE FIRST DAY OF CLASS.THIS WAY THEY CAN UNDERSTAND THE MATERIAL BETTER WHEN PRESENTED .
Hi Novella,
I like the idea of the confidentail information. I am telling you, students will tell you more than what you ever wanted to know. You will learn a lot from this tactic.
Patricia
Hello Hope,
What a perfect fit for this course. This will definitely benefit them when they enter the work force.
Patricia
Hi Kim,
It is a super tip! I use this teaching tactic quit a bit.
Patricia
Hello James,
Open-ended questions give the opoortunity for great class discussion. Students really become involved and interested when open-ended questions are presented.
Patricia
Excellent point. It has been pointed out by some writers that academicians should not talk with students in reference to the time relationship of a single class, but should focus on the future goal of graduation. This keeps the student optimistic and expecting good things in the future.
I discuss the importance of the course in relationship to the overall outcome (goal) or the end product! They can successfully sit for their boards and be a nurse. The students become very excited when they keep that focus in mind.
The particular course I teach is the culmination of other courses. Most students look at this course as nothing more than a review. I normally start the class out with some selected questions and scenarios, many of them will get close to a good diagnosis but are missing some tools/knowledge to take it the extra distance. This makes most of them pause and realize that they just might learn something after all. Usually after the three week period, when asked if they did learn anything new, 70% will admit to gaining additional abilities and knowledge.
Hector,
One of the greatest cognitive assets I have used with adult learners is "systematic search." Regardless of age, I have found they have difficulty determining a starting point, middle, and close to what they have for assignments. When they are confused they tend to think, "I don't understand." They also seem to really appreciate getting organized.
Jan,
What a great way to be sure the state of the classroom is also appropriate for learning. I use a smaller amount of time but do something similar so I can assess the emotional states of my students and make corrections it needed.
Hello Patricia,
I am going to add some graphics and color to important areas that will draw attention to them. My syllabi are sometimes eighteen to twenty pages in length because I have a mastery of skills and outcomes section. It needs to be spiced up when there is no much reading.
I use cooperative learning
I am not an instructor I am their partner.
and learner centered
I use problems that are related to their field (adult learners) or to their every day activities.
Hi Toni,
How do you make your outline personalize to your students?
Patricia
Hi Jennifer,
What great tips! I got excited reading them.
Patricia
