openess to crtiical thinking
I believe one of the keys to successful classroom managemnt lies in the ability to broaden the existing subject. Soemtimes one can be fearful of where a discussion might go, but if we can stay on course then learning may occur when we least expect it
I love this aspect of teaching. My experience is what got me my job. Back when I was licensed for it that was one of the ways to get your license. It has since changed where programs like where I am an instructor is the way to get it. So I try to bring that experience into it when we are lecturing and interject what happens on the job, but it really comes out during our labs where I can visually show how things are done. Are program has also gotten feedback from are extern sites on how prepared our students are to get right in to mix, reducing the on-the-job training needed.
I think this subject to be very important because the students should be involved and be part of the learning. If students are organized and think how to aproche a task they are more likely to do well.
Joseph, I agree 100%. In a past life I taught computer networking and other advanced technology materials. Being able to discuss complex terms in everyday language is critical to transferring the knowledge to the students. The excitement for me was when they would be able to explain complex technology concepts to their friends and families and come back to the classroom very excited to explain their experiences.
James Jackson
Dennis, experience can be taught to some degree. It is really a matter of the curriculum and how a learning path is part of the overall process of a program. I have seen programs where students walk away with some excellent skills and employers hire students from certain institutions because they see the business value in reduced on-the-job training due to the experience students gain from various institutions. This is true with everything from business programs to allied health and technology. I have seen such programs in all types of program offerings.
James Jackson
I appreciate the filtering approach Joe. It enables the instructor to engage the student to a more indepth thought processes,beginning from the student's point of interest.
Thank you for sharing.
James
James, I teach in a technical subject area and frequently use my experience as well. In order to acknowledge my student's life and job experience I find it useful to adapt the discussion in a way that will acknowledge how the subject matter might be understood through the individual's filter so that I can help them better learn from a more personal point of view. Joe
Work experiences is a very important aspect of our teaching. Too bad we cannot teach experience, whereas, the student willhave to attain this during a life long process. I teach classroom and clinicals in hospitals and excellent critical thinking skills is "mandatory" in both arenas especially in treating patients in an emergency situation.
James, excellent job using your own work experiences in the learning environment of your students. Your students will gain more as they are able to better associate what they are learning with real world examples.
Regards,
James Jackson
I have learned to use my work experiences with each discussion topic. This method of teaching makes the topic more applicable to the student. The student is able to visualize the particular situation.
Donald, one critical role of an instructor is to control the chaos. Most discussions will at some point get off topic or move in a direction that may not lead to a desired outcome. This is where the instructor steps in and asks some key questions or alters the discussion in such a way as to get the conversation back on track. Expect for things to move off track but always be ready to get the conversation moving in an appropriate direction.
Regards,
James Jackson
I agree with having open discussion in the classroom. It allows some students to offer their opinion when otherwise they are reluctant to do so. I do think that sometimes it might get a bit off track and at that point it should be redirected to the topic at hand in a roundabout manner.
Great points Stephen. Dr. Joe Pace of The Pacific Institute coined a phrase as part of his research on student learning and persistence, "The teacher will appear when the student is ready". Basically what this says is the instructor needs to be always aware of teachable moments and take full advantage of them when they appear. Effective and innovative instructors will find ways to actually create these teachable moments more often to fully engage their students and motivate students to "Want to Learn".
Sounds like there is a lot of learning taking place in your classroom.
Regards,
James Jackson
