Hello, I believe that if you create a positive learning environment and animate yourself you will become almost like a 3 dimensional figure. I do this with almost every class I teach. I also introduce a little comedy and trivia to the class. By doing this I am ble to keep the learners attention spand.
I emphasize that what they will learn in my class will help them be successful not only in my class but also in every other college class they take that requires them to write a paper, and then beyond college on the job when they are required to write. The time invested now will reap rewards both now and in the future. I also tell them that this may be the last course they ever take where the specifics of writing are addressed, and if they don't master what troubles them now, it will likely trouble them for the rest of their professional career. Teaching writing is highly applicable. I don't know how I would be able to sell a course on humanities or algebra, however.
I am a public speaking instructor and at the beginning of the course we "break the ice" with peer introductions. It never fails. A student or two learns something new and interesting about a peer while making a first step toward reducing "speaker's" nervousness.
First I make sure that the course syllabus is straight forward and leaves no room for misunderstandings. Over the time I have taught the course, the syllabus has been "tightened" many times to close potential loopholes that previosly allowed students to hand in assignments late and still receive full credit.
Secondly, I inform the students via powerpoint exactly what the course requirements are and how we will accomplish them together. I make sure that students understand that there will be a wide array of learning opportunities and that all of my classrooms are open for discussion at any time. I empower my students to take the lead in taking the discussion whereever they want, just understanding that I have the right to keep it on course and keep it within time limits. All-in-all I try to create a classroom that has shared learning opportunities for everyone!
I use life experiances to illustrate concepts and ideas. It seems to stick in students' mind for much longer period of time.
Barbara,
I do much the same. I've found that it allows me to spend more time garnering class interaction as I am not having to first present the material on a borad or a handout. It's been a great tool to not only instruct from but also to promote class discussion.
I do much the same, supplement the powerpoint presentations in my classes with handouts of the same presentations that allow for notes. I find that in this manner, I reach students who have strong visual learning skills and also reach others who learn from notes and handouts, via the handout.
It allows me to test on the material presented knowing that I have taught in a manner that either type of student has been presented the material in the best manner that they can learn from.
I believe there is book learning and then there is life learning. Effective teaching involves knowing which is more effective as a learning tool and using that approach in the classroom.
Hi Jerry,
When you speak about money most students will listen. I like your good attitude and your happy face on Day 1, and I am sure you maintain these things throughout. A good attitude and a happy face are considered to be a trickle down effect to students.
Patricia
By getting feedback and having them sometimes repeat things back to me. You also have to make it relate to them personally and relevant to their daily lives.
a good additude helps a bunch on there first day,having a happy face on is the first step. then in my case letting them know how it will affect there wallet gets them involved and keeps them interested.
Hi Andrew,
We know that most students are really just focused on the end product. Students do become really involved whenever they can see an example of the end product.
Patricia
Hello Susan,
What a geat idea1 I am going to have to borrow that one from you. :-)
Patricia
Hi Susan,
Your excitement is right their on the surface--medical. Some instructors have to dig deep for current events, but the deep digging is worth every bit of it. Current events are great conversation pieces.
Patricia
Hi Dave,
Anytime you can relate the course to their career, the students automatically become excited, interested, and involved. Students like to hear about what they are going to college to become.
Patricia
Hi Erica,
I've learned whenever you can add visual, do so. Students become more excited whenever they can see something.
Patricia
On the first day of class I always talk about what we will be doing, but it doesn't get the students excited until I start showing pictures of past student's work. I think they get inspired from them as well as see wat I expect.
Explaining to the student, how this course will better prepare them for the work force. This can be done by stories of personal experiences or, actual information on what a difference this knowledge will make in their career.
Current events isbreally a great way to get discussion going. My field is medical and there is always something medical in the news, especially now H1N1.
I agree about using the previous students. I started a student association with my program and what's great about it is the officers have taken charge and they automatically relay back to the new and current students what they are witnessing in the "real" world. Works nicely.
