Provide Guidance
Before problems arise. Know what they may be. Reflect. Cite Advise.
Catherine,
Awesome job with your procedures! I am sure students appreciate your work with them.
Shelly Crider
I also like to provide guidance in the discussion forum. I have learned that direct instruction should be a blend between facilitating discussion and being a content expert. The instructor should review student comments in order to diagnose misperceptions or clarify the course content.
I will review student comments, particularly those posted in the discussion forum, in order to ensure that they have a strong handle of the material as well as clarify misperceptions. I will further facilitate discourse by building upon the course content by providing insight and posting questions that require critical analysis of the course material. I will make observations about the posts to look for areas of agreement and disagreement or trends in the posts. I'll do my best to ensure that the discussion remains active; if not, I will redirect the focus of the prompts. I can email students who are inactive. I will continue to respond to posts and emails immediately in order to demonstrate a high level of presence.
Nicolas,
It is good to get to know your students or at least be in weekly contact with them.
Shelly Crider
Student guidance should be proactive in most cases...
Connie,
Student guidance will show a student that there is concern for them and will make them feel important.
Shelly Crider
I absolutely agree with providing student guidance, keeping up with what the students are or are not doing and trying to prevent problems before they arise or nip problems in the bud if they are beginning to emerge. It is, arguably, even more important to keep on top of this in an on-line course where you don't have the student in front of you on a daily basis and can assess their level of frustration or confusion while it is occurring. Asking questions, making the occasional phone call or sending an email, monitoring grading and attendance, are all important in keeping up with what is going on with students in an on-line class.
Carla,
Baggage....there is a good topic! You are right on that point though!!
Shelly Crider
Is that something like "trust, but verify"? lol It is important that we draw on our experiences to help us anticipate problems before they arise. Use techniques that have been sucessful in the past and tailor them to your new group. We are all veteran teachers and know what kinds of problems can and do arise. That does not mean we are always prepared-I am still amazed at some of the "baggage" that comes along with students.
Advising students can be very tricky. It is importnat to follow your particular school's policy on just how much you can advise and when you should refer a student to another source. I would still follow up regardless.
