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Terry Pawlak
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This was interesting research on study methods. Two areas that have been successful for me in the classroom is giving multiple mini-quizes. It does seem students can do better with "smaller doses" of material. The second area that does seem to work well is having a student explain to another student in their own words what we have just discussed or read. This engages the student and makes learning proactive.
Blog Comment
Yes, there has been a change over the years in student's behaviors. We have discussed this in department meetings for the last 5-6 years. However, we do want to be careful of any terminology we apply to this.
I have noticed the retention ability as a whole has decreased. When I told one of my recent classes that in the prior semester one of my students from China had received excellent grades in this class, several students rang out "oh sure, from China, no wonder." I informed the current students that they had the same opportunities and capabilities.
Blog Comment
One of the largest problems we face today as educators is how much time to devote to each individual student. I personally feel that with appropriate one-on-one time, any student can be successful
Blog Comment
You are correct. The amount of material in any subject discipline is increasing exponentially. As instructors, we try our best to highlight the most relevant ideas. Due to time constraints, we are always trying to put a round peg into a square opening. The main emphasis is to encourage the students to continue learning on their own.
Blog Comment
I had one class 3 years ago that I will never forget. It reminded me of a chaotic high school class. Almost every student was disruptive....constant talking during class, asking questions over material I had lectured on 10 minutes earlier, not paying attention during class. Now that I have more experience, this is how I should have handled the situation.
After the first day, I should have used a seating chart based on my perspective....and I will change the seating arrangement at any time. Even though I explained the syllabus on the first day, I should have emphasized the consequences… >>>
Comments posted by other class participants helped to define issues and solutions.
Discussion Comment
That's a great idea. I do the same thing...it does keep the student's attention. I also use differnet tonal volumes to gain their attention.
If a student doesn't have the answer, I will ask others, just as you have suggested. Then later in the presentation I will go back to the original student and rephrase the question slightly differently and ask again.
Discussion Comment
I remember in my college classes several instructors that were just tremendous in getting us to understand the material in the course while other instructors, although experienced in the subject matter, had trouble getting the information into our brains! Now that I'm the instructor, I try to learn from my students. If the entire class in having difficulty with a concept, I know I have to try a different approach. I'm continually polishing my skills and making the appropriate changes. If an individual student is having difficulty, I will work with them one-on-one and change my methods to suit that… >>>
Discussion Comment
This type of situation has to be handled very carefully. I've had situations where one or more students have complained about another student cheating. Often times, this "cheating" student in not part of their casual group. As an instructor, you will have to observe this student more carefully during exams. I've also made general comments in class about cheating and the expected consequences. This makes the entire class aware. All the instructors at my school recently watched a video as part of our continual training about current methods of cheating. It is very amazing to what extent students will go… >>>
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I agree this was an excellent module. There has been a trend over the last 10-20 years with students presenting with increasing behavioral/stress-related problems.