Lisa, you have found some great ways to involve your learners with the computer that sound helpful and non-threatening.
I have found no matter how much knowledge you have on your subject, there is always a time that a student will teach you a new or different view on your subject materials. I always like to challenge my students to think out of the box, and many times they will surprise you with what they can bring to the class.
I have my students who have no problem with their studies, but you may have students even in the younger ages who are afraid of the new technologies. I have a course that I instruct where computers are used and some students are having problems with doing their assignments on the computer. My best responce to this is I have them sit in the front of the class so I can give them more hands on help, and then I have them go during their free time to the library and I tell them to just explore the computer, the more you work with it the less uncomfortable they will be with it.
Recognizing the needs of each student is an important part of effective teaching.
When I am instructing my students I have found that I learn many new things from my students. I learn what makes them understand the materials I present to them in a whey they can remember and then explain back to the class the comcept that I presented to them. Some of my students learn quicker than others, and the other students who need extra help are the ones that I listen to and then work up a plan to help them better understand the materials. Dividing the class into groups and having a game between the groups is always a great way to have students remember terms and their meanings.
My syllabus is clear & on task. without organization I would have a difficult time.
Michele, passion is indeed a great asset for you and your students. Many instructors do not have that, but the best instructors I've met do.
I have only been teaching for the past year and it is quite different from working in the hospital. But I would want to be a learner in my class because I can explain the required information in the textbook, as well as, how it truly is "in the real world." I think this information better prepares my students for clinicals. And they will never have someone more passionate than me.
Jaquell, using everyday situations as teaching tools allows the students to see themselves on the job. This mental practice is a wonderful teaching strategy.
I like to make my class fun, yet understanding the materials. Since I started teaching, I watched that once I made it interesting to the students, more starting passing the test, exams, and the started retaining the info. I used everyday situations to allow the students to relate.
Caro, developing thinking skills in learners will allow them to learn many other life lessons than just our content. You are right to focus on it.
I like to be challenged. I enjoy being in a class where I need to use critical thinking skills not just memorization.
Yes, Melanie, this course has many suggested activities. So does ED311 which shares more that have been successful foe me and other instructors.
Variety is the key, Suzanne. If your methods are fun and engaging, they will do well in your class.
Rhonda, I agree that is the moment it is great to be a teacher. Keep up the good work!
Yes, I would like to be a learner in my classes. I try to keep things fun and interesting while getting the message across. I like to get excited about what I am teaching. I have run across all types of learners in the last year while teaching. I have taught primarily evening classes so keeping people interested and engaged has proven to be a challenge at times. If you have any new suggestions, perhaps that could help.
I would want to be a learner in my own classes because I use different teaching methods, all of which I perceive as fun and engaging.
I get excited when the students get it and they I see the light bulb and smiles on their faces Great
no body knows everything so we are living to learn something every day specially if it is going to benefit our students
I would like my class because of my sense of humor, fairness, expertise, and overall enthusiasm. Students seem to appreciate an instructor who genuinely cares about the subject and can share that enthusiasm. Terminology can be boring if the instructor doesn't make it engaging and interactive. I love to engage the students in playful competition that is non-threatening but yields small rewards (candy)!
