Mixed bag
Most of the instructors where I work are very involved with the students. This is one of the things I admire and love the most about where I work. However, there are a few that seem to have no interest in the student are a person. Also, some do not seem to be adaptable to the classroom dynamics and size. In the last 12 weeks, I've taught two sections of the same course. The first class was very big, 17. The second class was very small, 3. I covered the same material but taught these classes very differently. I've seen a few instructors do powerpoints and lecture to one person. That doesn't seem to be the best way to handle small groups.
Joyce,
I too have instructed both large and small groups and it definately is a different style for each. What may be doable for one class may not work for another. You also have to take into consideration the personalities of the students and what type of learners they are.
That's true. I am not an education major but working on an EdD with a bunch of professional educators - plus my dissertation topic deals a lot with andragogy - therefore, I have learned a lot about teaching adults. It has served me well in this environment. One of my major goals beyond the subject matter is to build community among my students. This is critical in andragogy.
Joyce,
I agree. Unfortunately, we don't necessarily prepare our faculty to address these variations. Most of us teach as we were taught...and that is by lecture.
Susan Backofen
