Peter Zapf

Anticipating and/or removing technical challenges can enhance barriers to learning. Investing time to learn new tools and techniques is necessary. 

Student feeback is critical to improving the overall success of the class. One can receive input from a variety of sources beyond student satisfaction assessments. On-going check-ins, peer reviews, and other methods can be used as well. Being open and willing to make corrections based upon constructive critique is often a skill that must be developed.

Setting expectation is key for success. Using a rubric to make the process more objective can be helpful.

I use Blackboard as the LMS. I often start off a semester or session with the best intentions of using the tool effectively and consistently. But my efforts can be inconsistent and my expectations for student use is inconsistent. Communicating with students is vital, and leveraging this tool to it full potential will provide a better experience. 

The concept of learning objects in interesting. Much like object-oriented programming, discreet modules can be created and then recombined to enhance related courses. For instance, I use a values excercise that can be used within my Design Analysis + Synthesis class as well as my Innovation Narratives. They module addresses a foundational element.

Knowing that you know something is rewarding. Developing tests and assessents that reflect what knowledge and understanding has been retained is a challenge. I often use "I learned, I wonder, I wish" to get feedback from lectures.

Much of what I teach combines an awarness of mindset and application of new tools and methods. An appreciation and consistent use of the language that expresses concepts core to mindset can be assessed via tests and check-ins. 

One of my favorite thoughts is from the poet ee cummings. "Always the more beautiful answer to who asks a more beatiful question." I especially appreciate questions that ask "why" a student believes what the do or why a situation is so. I will continue to work on engaging students with questions to delved deeper into subjects.

Because students perceive, gather, and process information differently, I plan to develop a more integrated presentation of materials. When possbilbe, it would be great to create more iteractive projects.

We all learn differently. Therefore, it is necessary to vary how you present lessons. A mixture of methods will help to ensure student connect with what is being presented.