I totally agree. As a newer instructor, I am still attempting to find the baseline where my student's learning actually starts. Having 30 years of experience in my field and reducing the massive amounts of information into smaller nuggets for beginners has been my personal challenge. Each class gets better, but I still do not feel that I have this mastered.
I like the microwave metaphor that you used and have found that the practical application of the intended subject matter will always fully engage the classroom and is the best way that I have found to teach.
Have you found any short cuts to identifying student learners that have learning challenges, other than identifying themselves?
