Mid course evals are great for the instructor which benefits the students.
The concepts in REFOCUS are spot on for judging the effectiveness of the class and the instructor. I enjoyed the Learnativity terminology as it really puts the concepts of the learning into the practice of mastering a task. Most of all it is the enthusiasm and energy that the instructor is able to build with the class, it is like a team sport. The seasons can feel long, and adjustments are required to keep up the energy levels and the enthusiasm.
Engagement!!!!! Have them tell you it back, have them explain it, have them do it. Be entertaining enough to make them engage, do your best to always make sure to ask the same questions in different ways to show them how there's going to be 10 ways to do something you will find the way you're the best at such activity or assignment .
In this topic I've learned, to maintain students focused and we must have several different ideas or solutions to resolve certain situations (talkers) and (non-talkers).
I'll set clear expectations early, using time limits, structure the class format or groups and providing private positive feedback.
The refocus strategy seems it would be helpful to keep both the instructor and students inspired to want to come back to class each day. In the field I've had to refocus many times and re prioritize to be able to achieve the main goal at hand.
Engage with students. Focus on them so that they don't feel left out. Keep lectures within 15 min so that they don't loose interest.
The REFOCUS strategy was dead on. I have over 20 years in technical training and this really hit home. I was reminded that taking the time to evaluate your class from the students, trainer, and course curriculum point of view is critical to keeping the class motivated, keeping ourselves focused on the student experience, staying on track with the course material and avoiding the "slump" we can fall into. Great advice there.
In this Module, I learned about the concept of Learnativity. I also learned the importance of REFOCUS; I appreciated the reading about not being perfect and how to unburden oneself. I agree with the literature about student engagement. Like students, I want to feel appreciated and valued too! It is relatively easy for me to engage students and demonstrate that they are valued members of the class.
I learned that student engagement is important to get them participating in coursework.
a variety of learning activities keeps the class fun and engaging (surprise). The same thing class meeting may diminish attendance. Getting all students to participate or answer questions can create a desire for more learning and engagement
Keeping students engaged and interested in the topics are one of the challenges you will face, but you can use surprise stories to rope back their attention.
I have tried some new things in my classes the last few months that seem to work. Every now and then you will still get, "I don't know," or a shoulder shrug but the majority of students enjoyed them
- Get red, yellow, and green paper or plastic cups: enough for each student to have a set. Throughout the lesson, I would say, "Cup check!" The students would show me the red if they weren't understanding, yellow if they were unsure or starting to catch on, and green if they felt they understood the concept. I would start responding to the red cups first then the yellow by asking them a few leading questions on where they felt they got lost. As I was doing that, I saw both red and yellow cups change to the next level.
- Use a deck or two of playing cards and have students pick 1 or 2 cards (making sure they were different values). Keep a suite for yourself and include the jokers for wild cards. Ask a question, pause, pick a card from your deck: let's say you picked a 4. All students with a 4 are on the hook to answer the question. A joker means the question is open for all students.
I hope this works for you, too.
it's important to create a supportive environment where students feel seen, heard, and valued. I plan to apply this by actively listening to student feedback, being available for help, and encouraging open communication. When students feel that their success matters, they are more likely to stay motivated and committed to their learning.
This section highlights the importance of learning and the different ways to personalize lessons. Building a good rapport is necessary when utilizing verbal and non-verbal cues as a method to keep the class interactive because this helps students feel more comfortable, confident and willing to participate. Techniques are available to assist students who need extra time or feel discouraged. Creating and expecting a positive attitude during class is vital to stay focused. Using the R.E.F.O.C.U.S. method helps students stay on task and want to return to class every day. Be yourself and keep students excited using activities.
Maintaining relationships with students can mean ensuring you maintain an internal dialog of why you want to be an instructor to be successful.
Developing rapport with the students is crucial. They need to know that we as the instructors respect them as individuals. Students that feel uncomfortable participating in large group discussions, can benefit from small group discussions. This can open that gate to easing them into participating in class discussions.
It is very crucial for instruction to be interactive and multimedia methods including visual with image/videos, hands-on, group-discussion and activities, and often assessed with positive feedback. This allow students' encouragement in learning, to participate actively, and makes easier for students to learn new materials.
The most effective way to learn is by receiving the information and implementing what you have just learned. Providing an environment where a block of instruction can be given and the importance of how it relates to the students knowledge of acquiring a certain skill will help in them wanting to do well.
It is important to perform mid-course evaluation, so students knows where they are in their learning and to prevent mid-course slump.
I've learned that respecting your students isa good way to develop a trusting relationship with them and help them learn.
