John Grubb

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Using active learning activities to supplement and reinforce lecture

After a curriculum rewrite of my program, management has been encouraging us to implement more student involvement into our lectures. Although we have active learning in lab as the majority of our students learning, the first day of the week is usually all lecture. By periodically turning off the PPT and getting up in the classroom during that first day to take a look at and discuss the subject just covered in the lecture /PPT, I have drastically improved student engagement and made an improvement in student knowledge retention as well.

John Grubb

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Increasing student engagement with passionate delivery of content

I certainly agree with you that it is a tough line to walk, especially since you spend so much time with them. Here are some of things I try to do or not to do. I try to keep the subject matter of conversations with students to only those related directly to class and the material. Additionaly I try not to minimize the amount of personal information I share with students. When I do share stories of a personal nature they relate to the material we are covering and usually about past situations I found myself in where the knowledge/insight… >>>

John Grubb

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Increasing student engagement with passionate delivery of content

I have been an instructor for only 5 years at a vocational educational institution for future mechanics. We have 5 hour long classes 5 days a week. I have found that keeping students engaged during the lecture portions of a lesson is not only the most difficult part but also a critical component to successful labs later on. This is especially true in of classes with high student counts and night classes where many of the students have already worked for 8 hours plus travel time. In my limited experience I have found the greatest successes when I deliver the… >>>

John Grubb

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Class Dynamics and Age Diversity

I have found that each class has a group dynamic of it's very own. I believe age diversity has a profound effect on the group dynamic, be it positive or negative. The best classes I have had usuall have a well rounded assortment of age groups. Seems like most things in life, balance is good!

John Grubb

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Passion and humor in your presentation

I have found that adding passion and humor to your presentations is what will bring your students in and add to their overall enjoyment of the class.

John Grubb

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Simple rewards can sometimes be marvelous motivators.

Students even adult students are often excited when you provide small rewards for expected content. For example, although, the students are required to complete all the projects in the lab to pass the course the days that you offer a piece of candy or bag of chips for every project finished are often the most focused and productive. Although not long term motivational tools the students seem to enjoy the treat and don't even realize that they worked 20% harder that day. Even though the money for the treats comes out of my pocket I think it's well worth it.… >>>

John Grubb

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Paying attention to students comments and follow up.

As a new instructor I've had the priveledge of sitting in on some classes. One commonality I've noticed is that if students feel comfortable in the program, they make comments. Sometimes it's just for fun, sometimes its just to complain and other times it seems like it just popped into their head and they spit it out. I imagine many of these comments have validity or offer doorways to student perspectives. Addressing some of these comments in private or in front of the class seems a way to build rapport and show that you are listening and engaged with students.

John Grubb

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Any ideas for obtaining student feedback on Instructor proformance?

One of the best ways to improve as an Instructor is student feedback evaluation. As a new instructor what are some ways to obtain student feedback throughout the course other than direct questioning?

John Grubb

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Key component of a learning environment.

Motovational aids that relate to students needs. Show someone what they can do with the tools you provide.

John Grubb

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Cover all learning styles with your teaching style

I think that concentrating on making sure all 4 learning styles are addressed by teachers and instructors during curicullum delivery is the most important part of this module. I believe that even when your primary learning style isn't being directly addresed it is still a reinforcement. "Hit them from all sides and make sure it sticks."