Karen Swinhart

Blog Comment

What makes you a stand out as a good "Teacher"

here are just a few things that I have done for my students.

1. Treat them as a person not a number

2. Getting them involved from the first day

3. Respecting them as adults.

4. Make sure the whole class is following along with me during the hands-on portion of the lecture.

5. Listen to them, and let them know you are their for them (pertaining to lecture or hands-on activities.

6. Being fair with all students - Ethically and moraly

7. Teaching them so they further their education.

Karen Swinhart

Discussion Comment

Question session after the lecture

After every lecture I have a question and answer session with the students. This gives me an assessment of who actually understands the material, who was paying attention, and who is struggling with understanding the material. The response I receive from the students is excellent.

Karen Swinhart

Blog

Strategies in the classroom

In the 19+ years of teaching, I have come up with some methods for motivating students. Students like to talk, and by asking them questions they have the opportunity to share their ideas and thoughts. I also put stars on my presentations to signify this is what they need to study for the test.

In additon, I have observed that some students learn by lecture and some learn by completing task, so I implement both of these every class period. After the presentation lecture, I give them a task to complete using the techniques they have learned.

A review game… >>>

Karen Swinhart

Discussion Comment

First day of class

Sabrina I agree with you, especially the job aspect. The one thing I have done is put the responsibility on the student to contact me if they are not going to be there. I give lecture points and in-class activity points, and let them know if you do not contact me, you will loose both the lecture points and in-class activity points. If they do contact me they will receive the lecture points and they have to write a one page summary over the lessons they missed. This works great, over 90% of my students contact me.

Karen Swinhart

Discussion Comment

PowerPoints and Hands-on

The one thing I have done for my students is place stars on my PowerPoints, this lets them know what to study for the tests. They really seem to like this and it has worked for the past 3 sessions. I break my class into two parts. 1) Lecture and discussion and 2) hands-on techniques. This way I address all forms of learning.

Karen Swinhart

Discussion Comment

Enjoy what you do

I have been teaching for 19 years, and I still enjoy meeting all the students, teaching them new concepts and techniques. I use all different types of methodologies, and always remember not every student is going to learn at the same pace. They are all individual people.

Karen Swinhart

Discussion Comment

Taking the time to plan and prepare for class

If you take time to plan and prepare for a class, you don't feel rushed. I usually take a week or more to prepare and plan for a class. This allows me to be more creative and think of new ways to motivate the class. Even if I have taught the class before, I still try to think of new techniques to try.

Karen Swinhart

Discussion Comment

First class

The class I teach is the first class that new students are required to take. Since I am the first instructor the students will meet, I make sure all the students feel comfortable and welcome to the class. During the time of getting to know each other, I have each student introduce themselves. I walk to each students desk and welcome them individually.

Karen Swinhart

Discussion Comment

Being prepared = Students attention

Making sure that you have all the materials ready to go for class is something students appreciate. Being prepared and ready for class allows you to start class on time, so you don't waste the students time.

Karen Swinhart

Discussion Comment

First day of class

I set the expectation of the classroom and college rules, and have the students sign a contract stating they understand and will adhere to the rules.