Class Activities
I really like the idea of having multiple class activities to pull from. I can see how this would be so helpful because class dynamics change a lot from term to term. Sometimes I have over 30 students and sometimes I have 8. There are some activities that are really difficult to do with 30 students and vice versa. Not only is the number of students important, but the personalities as well. I really liked the airplane activity and I am wondering what other class activities instructors in the forum have done that have proven successful in helping the students interact and learn, and in helping the instructor to get a sense of class dynamics?
Hi Matthew,
Of course, students love the technical side. You simply let them know that you know they enjoy the techical side of the course, but the pyschological aspect is just as important, and it must be covered as well. I will go ahead and share this news with students on Day 1 so that they can be conditioning themselves for both parts.
Patricia Scales
I teach a very hands on course, the practical application of a large amount of reading and studying the theory behind the job they are training for. There is so much for the students to learn in such a short period of time and while I have pretty much mastered the skills I am teaching them at this level I try to let the classes happen organically. The students are at the console that they are learning almost the entire class which is a good thing but I also know that what they are learning in my class has far more aspects than just the technical side of the job. How can I judge better when it's time to shift focus away from the brain frying technical side and still keep the "class activities" going when it's time to shift the discussion towards more of the psychological aspects of the job they are learning?
Hi Terri,
You may want to include a participation grade to encourage participation.
Patricia Scales
how can you get students to be more involved and perticipate in classroom activites?
Hi Julie,
Awesome! I can tell you relly like active learning. It is great you go the extra mile to find interactive activities for your students to do. Students love active learning, and it is very effective as well.
Patricia Scales
I think my favorite part of teaching is creating class activities. I have found a lot of resources on-line for this. There are websites for case studies, jeopardy games, bingo games as well as interactive ideas. I sometimes use sites that are based for high school teachers and then build on the idea to fit my classes.
Hi Rebecca,
Students tend to love highly interactive type activities, such as role playing, games, mock learning, peer teaching, case studies, senarios, etc.
Patricia Scales
