Michael Fisk

I liked the suggestion to allow more time when deal with some learning disabilities. That one simple idea can work with a variety of learning issues, including ones brought about due to a medical condition.

Language barriers can be an unforeseen force that slows down class time and can be difficult to cope with in a career college environment. Many times while trying to deliver career course content the ability to teach above and beyond can be limiting. Some of the ideas presented here can certainly help, especially limiting the number of vocabulary words per class.

It is challenging when working with student groups. This usually presents itself when one member of the group is perceived as doing less work than the others. This can also show up in a smaller group when one member decides to avoid class or even a presentation but still wants the total points allotted for the project.

I generally like the idea of moving around the room to keep the students attention refocused. It does also help with keeping students off of cell phones and other such items.

One of the more challenging concepts in the classroom for me is tailoring information that makes it easier for the students to grasp but does not compromise the integrity of the career field. When moving across different courses and concepts this can be difficult, especially when looking for a new way to provide the information and keep it relevant.

I found the discussion about utilizing the white board applicable to my current class design. Although I do use the board to highlight points or to rely upcoming assignments, I have not used the board to add information provided by students to connect with subject areas that are being presented. I really like the idea of this application and plan on using during my class.

The information provided so far in this section has been useful, especially the breakdown of instructor types. The suggestion and I liked the most and plan on using was writing down personal classroom experience after each class. I believe this method will create a better learning environment for my students by allowing me to revisit past lesson plans and adapt them to the current student body or just make a lecture flow better

The way that information is presented today is much different than when I was a kid, long hours of pure expository lecture is the old way of doing things. Not that the style of lecture doesn’t still hold a place in the classroom but combination techniques seem to be a good way to shift a drifting attention span back on to a subject. By incorporating interactive ability, problem solving and case study concepts attention can be returned to a subject.

I did like the example of getting to know the students names and I agree that not taking the time to learn shows a great lack of respect. I liked the secondary idea of asking students which name they prefer to use. I have found this to be pet peeve especially with a name like Michael, it could be Mike or Michael but I have had some refer to me as Mikey.

I find it challenging trying to stay up to date on current career trends that the students may be relying upon an instructor to know. Especially when teaching in career college environment or in a field that is constantly evolving based upon industry need. This is particularly challenging when the course examines a subject that I may know 97% of the material but there is one specialty I have little to know experience with but that is the markets current hot topic.