Mark Sedlock

Discussion Comment

I really think "study buddies" the best way to help students to succeed. I usually ask a successful student to do this, and then introduce both to each other before or after class,and suggest directions.

Mark Sedlock

Discussion Comment

The 'first test"

The first test given a class by a teacher is "critical". The students will evaluate the teacher according to it, and it will establish the student's sense of "their accountability". Students will also adjust their future study time and habits as a result of it. Factors and questions involved include: -Does the test adequately reflect the core course content according to the syllabus? -Does it comprehensively cover the matter taught, --but not with unnecessary detail? -Is the test constructed to aim at the median level of capability of the students in the class? -Does the student actually learn while taking… >>>

Mark Sedlock

Discussion Comment

powerpoint & overhead transparencies

I tend to agree with you. A mix is probably better. Heavy use of powerpoint can easily become a crutch for a teacher, and tend to reduce his own careful research of core ideas and their best presentation. Mark S.

Mark Sedlock

Discussion Comment

class "study-buddies"

I do the same thing, i.e., pair up a student who is struggling with an "A" student. I have found the "A" students are quite willing to do this, and that this is the most successful was of helping a student improve. It's even more productive than a tutor, or a study group. Mark Sedlock

Mark Sedlock

Discussion Comment

Hard-Copy versusElectronic Mark Copies

I think both are complementary and "necessary now". Hard copy is baseline. Electronic copy is a "boon" to students, allowing them daily access to, and an "overall view" of their performance. The "overall view" is an "eye-opener" for some. However, some students have poor computer skills and do not easliy access electronic markbooks, so I carry an up-dated, class copy of the electronic marks with me so I can immediatley furnish them to students, if they ask. Mark Sedlock

Mark Sedlock

Discussion Comment

class "study-buddies"

Although my college library offers both "subject study groups with a teacher" and tutors, I find that pairing a struggling student up with a successful student in that same class works very well.

Mark Sedlock

Discussion Comment

powerpoint & overhead transparencies

My feeling is that varying overhead transparencies with powerpont breaks the monotony and adds to presentation.

Mark Sedlock

Discussion Comment

How to deal with cell phones & blackberries during test-time.

I usually require cell phones to be completely "out of sight", - in pocket, bandbag, or bookbag.