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bee koon tan
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Discussion Comment
When students come into our classroom for the first time, they may feel intimidated, unprepared or even unsure (of the surroundings, the new instructor or new classmates). We often have students from all walks of life, of different ages and educational backgrounds. As an instructor, it is up to us provide an environment that they feel they can learn at ease. Having a plan 'a' and a plan 'b' to customize to the students makes sense as not everyone is created the same. Plan 'b' also helps to bring the off-focus students back in check. I often create Q&A games… >>>
Discussion Comment
I like all the pointers on the different medias we can use in a classroom. I am especially prone to the white board. I always make sure I have different colored pens to write, highlight, draw or emphasize any particular subject matter. One corner will be used for writing: Subject of the Day Date Timeline The rest of the board will be used during my lecture, to emphasize important topics and also to help out in student spelling, etc. I only write the bullets of what I will be lecturing on, while the class takes notes on what I teach.… >>>
Discussion Comment
I used to be a combination of Drill Sargent and Socratic when I was a trainer, about 20 years ago, in my other line of work. Then when I first started teaching at culinary, I was still somewhat of a Drill Sargent, but as the years went by, I honed myself to teach people in a classroom who were of different age groups, life-styles and with different past experiences. Now I am more of a combination of Socratic and Dead Poets. But at certain times, I think, depending on the situation and the needs, the Drill Sargent comes into play… >>>
Discussion Comment
When I used to have 32 students in a class, I prided myself in remembering student names by the second day and by the third day, I even remember their last names too. It always surprised them when I can call out their names; it sure helps in student-teacher rapport.
Spending time to prepare for a class certainly takes a lot of pressure when we start to teach and also makes us look more professional, especially when we are asked questions that have relevance but may not always be covered in the day-to-day topics.
Discussion Comment
Getting the students to write down any grievances is a very good way of 'diluting' the situation. It works in personal situations, so this can be applied at colleges too.
Discussion Comment
I like this method and will certainly try it out with my next batch of students when we start in Jan. I have a student right now who fits this profile and this will certainly help and also make the class fun, as well as giving other students a chance to voice their views.
Discussion Comment
Students will always have an excuse regarding late assignments. I use the 'Point deduction' system as well and it is included in the syllabus so that everyone is clear about the rules. And when students are late, I remind them of the rule but also encourage them to still submit them and not give up.
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I also agree with the 80 20m rule. In the old days it was all lecture or 100% . I feel the 80 20 splits it up in a way that people can really learn more.