Wayne Young

Good information on how and why you might use different types of tests.

I am concerned with the aspect of dealing with students of varying general education experience when that is not in the curriculum I will be teaching. This gives a good framework of working with students where they are and how to deal with them somewhat.

I also will be trying to emphasize moral and ethical decisions being in an aviation maintenance field, where taking shortcuts can literally kill.

Lots of great tips on asking questions, and details on types of questions, and how to use them effectively.

The Socratic method section brought to memory one of the very funny deleted scenes from the movie "Galaxy Quest", which if you haven't seen it is a hilarious take on actors here who were part of a TV show (similar to the "Star Trek" phenomenon) who were taken into space to help an alien culture because they thought the actors really did all of the things they did on the TV show. Watch the first scene here up to the 2:18… >>>

It is good to consider the different learning styles to vary my approach in teaching, and also be aware of which students respond best to which type of learning style, so I can make an attempt to address people in their preferred style when the need arises.

A big thing for me that came from this lesson is to make sure that the students will understand how what they are learning will be used in their future careers or endeavors. When I look back at my schooling, I don't recall a lot of practical application, but learning things to complete a project or graded assignment. I remember back to even in high school, when I first started losing interest in one of my previously favorite subjects: math. Taking an advanced class in elementary functions I started struggling a bit. Before then I did math for fun, but… >>>

I enjoyed thinking on the whole REFOCUS process, from keeping students engaged creatively, but also in times when I may feel stuck or discouraged, it is a good process to rethink what my course goals are and adjust on the fly to incorporate something different, as each class need may dictate.

Learning about the students, where they are, and what is going on with them, and applying that to encourage them in their work are all good tips for me as a new instructor. I am good at one way communication, telling a joking and presenting material, but personal interaction is a weakness. Learning about how important it is, and how much it can impact a student is very helpful. Also thinking about what made an impact in my educational career, and what instructors did that I appreciated helps.

Great information on learning where students have been and what their goals are to help you in guiding them through class. Also to keep an eye out for warning signs of things that may be inhibiting them in moving toward their goals.

Since I am new I have not had to develop a lesson plan or guide yet. My institution has curriculum already in place with material that will be required to be covered, but they say instructors have flexibility in how it is delivered, and whether or not they want to add to it. Having the guidelines taught here will hopefully make it easier for me to integrate my personal style into teaching a managed curriculum.