David Pinter

Discussion Comment

Don't you feel we all make mistakes? A mistake I have made is assuming my laptop will function properly, and if not, having a backup plan on teaching the class. Technical issues with a projector will happen, but that doesn't mean the learning time for the students has ended. Carry preprinted notes or always have a backup drive available.

David Pinter

Discussion Comment

Seating assignments... kind of silly!

Seems like setting up seating assignments after the fact, help in quieting a class of talkative friends. But this isn't grammar school, and right off the bat some students will feel like you are treating them as such. If you have a noisy class or certain students disrupt the class, address it immediately and take charge. I find it weak having to say, "If you can't simmer down I will have to rearrange the seating." Take the noisy student outside in the hall and discuss the problem. Other students will know you mean business.

David Pinter

Discussion Comment

Work not on time... no accountability!

I've given up on allowing students to deliver assignments late. I find that letting the student slide doesn't keep them at all accountable. I reflect upon all the projects I've done in the industry, and my conclusion... mine weren't late, and respecting the client is number one.

David Pinter

Discussion Comment

Maintaining the Upperhand

I find that if from day one in class you have not maintained order, respect, and set the ground rules, then students will find a way to manipulate you up until the last day of class. You have to develop a "tight as a drum" method for having the students act and perform like professionals. It is hard for instructors and sharing your techniques would be helpful.

David Pinter

Discussion Comment

Courses without "Exams"

A few courses I teach don't have any formal exams. The students basically are taught how to use the software applications, have tons of hands-on learning in the class, then construct a midterm and final project of what was learned. I used to give thousands of sheets of papers of handouts with keyboard commands and make them take a test but found it really didn't help them learn the application. Constant reinforcement in the class, asking questions, quizzing students on the fly, and getting excellent high quality projects out of them in the end I found was a good approach.… >>>

David Pinter

Discussion Comment

Testing what the student doesn't know!

I do realize we are to challenge the students in a class and have them think outside the box. However, numerous times I have seen Multiple Choice exams with "Trick Questions!" The questions are so close to the correct answer or could be swayed as a correct answer, yet the student fails, falls behind and becomes discouraged. Seems like some testing is more about trying to fool the student than to just directly give an honest and straight foward evaluation. Susan, how do you deal with this issue?

David Pinter

Discussion Comment

The Art of Discussion for the Industry

I like to engage the students in conversation about the industry of my profession. They ask "real" questions concerning working in the field, then I relate those specific questions to the topic we are working on. When real life situations are in question, it gets the student motivated to ask more questions.

David Pinter

Discussion Comment

Empathy Examples...

Seems like every class has students that either fall behind in the learning process or have external issues that are holding them back. I used to be very cut and dry... "No work on time, results in a bad grade." However, after years into teaching, I find there are so many intricate nuances governing every students' performance. Having empathy and being flexible is hard to allow yourself at first... but try it, it may pay off in the long run!

David Pinter

Discussion Comment

Awards in Class

I've been giving awards to students now for about 5 years. An example, Award for Best Game Design Document. I give the requirements for the document and let the students know they must meet the requirements, yet for the students that want to go above and beyond, and award certificate is in their reach. The documents I receive from the students are 90% excellent. I find passive competition works well and it puts no pressure on the students that are not great writers. A list of the Award winners can be seen at davidpinter.com

David Pinter

Discussion Comment

Students Coping with New Lifestyle

I'd like to mention all the students I chat with that are new to college. Their main concerns are transitioning to a new environment. Many times housing is one of the biggest problems, and this really effects their school work. I had a student the other day say that she and her roommate had to leave class because they had no place to live and was in the process of trying to get another apartment that was safe (the other one was broken into). This is why you really have to listen to your students, especially the ones that are… >>>