About me
Paul Jackson
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Discussion
Discussion Comment
Whoever wrote the quiz questions does not understand the precepts taught in this module. They are vague and not very precise in what they ask for. Many times at least 2 of the answers would work equally well. One problem many teachers have is they forget the fact that they are an expert in their field, and their students are only learning it. What is abundantly clear to the instructor might be vague or muzzy to the students. If very few students in a class fail to grasp a concept it is time for the teacher to take a second… >>>
Discussion Comment
Since I went to college at an older age, I do understand the issues adult learners have. It boils down to having 2 full time jobs. One thing adult learners get upset about very fast is when their school disrespects them. One large problem where I teach is the students have to pay a "technology fee," but do not have access to any technology. The 'computer lab' is used for classes, and the students cannot get in there. There are about 5 working computers in the library, but when you have several hundred students needing access, that is not enough.… >>>
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That is what I do, Gary. I can tweak it for each class. When I find something new to add to it I can add it without any problem.
Discussion Comment
I do look forward to discovering new ways to get the lessons across.
At the same time, I sometimes wonder if we are doing the students any favors by some of the edutainment ideas.
Some of our most brilliant minds were trained in the old school f teaching--lectures and homework.
The bottom line is I want to give my students a good product for all the money they are paying for their education.
Discussion Comment
I use the first class to go over the syllabus. My syllabus contains the course requirements and the rules and the grading system. I don't use the books much. I do occasionally use the textbook for my remedial class, but the actual 'teaching' part of the book is very poorly written. Even the exercises are hard to follow. I end up tailoring assignments for each class. The problem with the rules are I can't enforce them the way I would like. If my students are late I have to let them into class and make up the stuff they missed.… >>>
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This is very true. Even the same class needs constant tailoring of the lesson from one day to the next.
But it is great to see students go from that "deer in the headlights" look to the one that says they have confidence that they "have it."
Discussion Comment
Again, this section advocates a one-size-fits-all approach to teaching.
I use interactive PowerPoint lectures followed up by class work.
Some of my powerpoints might be longer than 15-18 minutes, but they are interactive.
This works for me and my classes. I teach English. This style might not work for teaching Psychology.
Discussion Comment
This section was just plain stupid!
There is no one-size-fits-all formula for doing anything in any class room.
The order in which you hand out the syllabus and show the text book isnt important. Providing an atmosphere in which your students feel comfortable and know what is going on is the goal.
Personally, I put the course goals/requirements on the syllabus.
Discussion Comment
This material was mostly rhetoric. Many schools, mine included, do not give the instructors the ability to choose their text books. A syllabus is a great thing to have--as is a course outline and such as that. I go over mine the first day of class, but I have never noticed any of those documents to make much difference in a student's behavior. Some come to class on time, and they would do that even if I did not tell them it is required. Others habitually come in late and break other rules--and the syllabus will never change that. Lesson… >>>
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