I am a mathematics instructor for developmental mathematics. I have always been curious as to how to use the student-centered approach to teaching these "basics". Possible using the problem-solving method or some group work would encourage my classroom to become active learners. Any suggestions?
Robert,
Or the typographical errors caused by "user error". My mother, a veteran, was in the VA hospital which uses electronic records. There were so many errors that it ultimately cost her her life and vitality.
Renee Shaffer
All of the replies offer good suggestions. I believe we start with ourselves. Think back to courses you’ve taken in which improvements in your doodling was the most interesting thing about the class. How could that instructor have made the experience more memorable and experiential? Were there ‘back stories’ to the topics that would have been interesting? Demonstrations of the concepts? Provocative questions for the class to respond to? We have a duty to teach not preach. Although some preachers are pretty entertaining….we can learn from them.
I particularly liked your comment on Socratic questions. I use the assignments provided for our discussion board. But I also add my own questions related to replies from the students. If a student states that electronic medical record systems are advantageous for storing patient records, I might ask about disruptions or failures to the system such as a flood or fire. How can these systems and records be protected against such calamities?
I agree with the fun part of your comments. Teaching and learning should be fun as in interesting and engaging. It's like inflection in an oral delivery. If a presentation is made in a monotone voice we all fall asleep. But if it is delivered with emphasis, enthusiasm, and includes the audience it will feel like it is being given just for us.
I like the suggestions here for clear steps an instructor can take. In the online environment, specifically, it's often hard to "insert" a style into a classroom that has been pre-designed. However, it seems it can be done through the asynchronous discussions, if the instructor poses "socratic" questions, which encourage the students to think (perhaps process an additional related question), and to reply when the answer may not be clear. This would cause them to write, as well, which is an activity supported by the active learning style.
I have found that many students enjoy responding to questions, even if they aren't part of the core essay/discussion. I enjoy seeing them really think about something, and "poke it" from all sides, so to speak.
Dr. James ,
Oh, that is a good one. Do you tell them ahead of time that there is no right or wrong answer. I wonder if students get mad at this.
Renee Shaffer
One method that I use is to give a finance problem that has no right or wrong answer. The response is based on the student's answer and how to defend the response.
Patricia,
Boy, that is so true that an online course can be a very fluid environment.
Renee Shaffer
The first thing that I would do is plan my course. What are my objectives and how will I present those objectives in a meaningful method to the student. Planning is the most important step, each course must not just be thrown together but have a clear method of what will be taught and what information will the student take away from the course.
Each assignment must work to meet the goals, and create the most positive learning environment possible. As you teach the course there may need to be adjustments based on the performance of the students, but an online course is a fluid environment and always changing.
Patricia Tyhurst
cesar,
Yes, it is important not to overburden the students.
Renee Shaffer
by slowlly created some forums into the classroom to motivate students to learn and be confortable with the system and learn direct and endirect ways of learning by using thecnology and group work
Tina,
It is always good to incorporate additional reinforcing information (games, etc) just to make sure students are "getting" the information.
Renee Shaffer
Essential (in my experience) is knowing the topic extremely well to know when students are not asking questions. In a traditional live lecture, you get some facial expressions or body language that says that the information still has not sunk in to the student's mind. So I would say you for a move to active learning really need to know the student concept stumbling blocks.
I'm thinking that an instructor should probably rate the difficulty of the subject matter, and plan for additional reinforcement information to support the more difficult material.
Tina
Carol,
Some fear the the conversations might degenerate. Some fear that the conversations or direction might do in a different area. Many dont' feel that they will be able to answers "all of the questions" that students might come up with. Instructors are people however and not robots or the internet full of the right answers. they shouldn't be so harsh on themselves.
Renee Shaffer
Carol,
That is a good point. Instructors throughout time (it seems) have had to deal with students who are not willing to be engaged. A multitude of reasons- boredom, low self esteem, they don't see the benefit of being in your class, etc. Ultimately, the onus is on them. Believe me, I have had students who were not interested in me, my materials or school in general. It was just something for them to do. Sometimes, the instructors just can't do anything more.
Renee Shaffer
What exactly do you think instructors fear about relinquishing control of the class? I recognize a component where the instructor may think they have to get through certain content or they will not accomplish the learning objectives for that particular lesson. However, it seems like if you engage the students in active learning, they are going to generate questions that will demonstrate whether or not they are grasping the content and can apply it. What other fears do you think instructors have about giving up control?
Can you explain how the instructor can successfully motivate students when you can't get them to engage in the learning activities? In the online environment, we need the student to participate in order to learn. We can engage them in meaningful activities only if they choose to attend the online sessions, ask questions, answer phone calls and return emails. The successful students are the ones who engage in every opportunity to learn.
I enjoy the short lecture time to include pausing at certain important areas and then reviewing that information with the students by asking open ended questions. Trying to keep that info at the surface.
Shundra,
Often instructors are scared of relinguishing control of the class.
Renee Shaffer
