Sandra Goddard

This module discusses and gives examples of common instructor mistakes. Starting with how the instructor presents himself/herself - don't make a habit of discussing personal problems in the classroom, don't deflate the class morale by announcing that you never give As in your class, don't try to be buddies with the students, and don't emphasize your lack of experience in teaching. It is important to learn the names of your students, take control and the classroom, be prepared for class, and be consistent, respectful, and honest. Some solutions to making common mistakes include realizing and accepting mistakes will be made,… >>>

Each class will come with students that can be challenging - those who want to give up and quit, manipulators, distractors, and center stagers. To some extent, students that are acting out want or need attention from the instructor. Some students may be overwhelmed with life stresses and pressures of school, and they end up thinking they cannot follow through with their educational goals and want to quit. They need personal attention to suggest possible resources to help with their stressors and to help them feel like they are a valued part of the class. Manipulators want to bend the… >>>

This module is about getting the students engaged and interested in the class and their fellow students. It is important to address WIIFM - or what's in it for me; students learn better if they feel the material is important to their desired career and goals. Explain why the curriculum is important and how they will use it in the workplace. To help the student get engaged with the class, you can have physical activities that get the students to work together. It is also important to have a detailed, clear written, and eye-catching syllabus. The syllabus should address assignments,… >>>

This module covered techniques for getting the most benefit out of using Chat GPT. Students can use Chat GPT to get information quickly, organize their notes to facilitate studying for exams, practice learning a new language, check math problems, and summarize complex or lengthy essays or articles. Interestingly, some students who were surveyed regarding their experiences and opinions on Chat GPT thought it might be misused by students to cheat, and it might be better to prohibit its use in schoolwork. Instructors can also use Chat GPT to individualize lesson plans, initiate a creative writing assignment, or grade written assignments. 

This module discussed Chat GPT - how to use it, how it can benefit students and instructors, and disadvantages to using it. Chat GPT is easy to use - just type in a question, hit enter, and wait for the answer. The more specific the questions or parameters the more specific the answer will be. Students can use Chat GPT to find answers to questions on a wide variety of topics, and they can use their own curiosity to ask follow up questions to learn more. Instructors can use Chat GPT to help them tailor a lesson plan for a… >>>

Chat GPT works on a neural network to acquire and process information based on statistical evaluation of the data that has been inputted. Chat GPT can help individualize learning for students based on their learning style and pace. It can provide answers to questions on a wide variety of topics, and pose questions to encourage critical thinking. It can also help instructor with providing regular substantive feedback. 

Machine learning has existed since the 1960-70s. Since the advent of the internet, it has been growing and become more popular. There are basic types of AI such as machine learning, language processing, gaming, and robotics. Chat GPT has become very popular in regards to education as well as personal uses. Chat GPT can individualized learning to a student's style and pace of learning. As AI develops, all types of information will be readily available 24/7 to anyone who is looking for answers. Current AI models will be increasingly refined and provide more reliable information. This will make student learning… >>>

This module covered the different types of tests used to measure students' learning - multiple choice, T-F, matching, short answer, essay, and skills testing. Each type of test has pros and cons depending on the type of information to be tested. Multiple choice tests are the most commonly used testing method. Sometimes there are testing banks available to make test construction easier and faster, but it is important that the instructor teach according to the test questions. I can apply this information to my future classroom experiences by making sure I choose the type of test appropriate for the material… >>>

This module is about evaluating student progress - both formative (at each stage along the way) and summative (at the end of the course). There are different methods for evaluating student growth - objective and subjective, both of which need to be valid, measurable, and reliable. Determining the correct method depends on the skills that need to be assessed. Are the skills to be assessed technical (like testing dental hygiene students on instrumentation) or critical thinking skills (problem solving, treatment planning, etc)? Feedback to students should be supportive and substantive - encouraging and meaningful. 

There is so much valuable information in this module about asking questions. Asking questions is a good way to check your students' understanding of the concepts being taught. Questions should be placed to get a bit of information, and each of the following questions should build on on the information obtained from the prior answers. When asking questions, the instructor needs to give the students time to formulate an answer and respond. When students are responding to questions or asking questions, the instructor should give full attention to the student. I am considering how I can incorporate all of these… >>>