Get Your Students Hired
I like to constantly update my course materials based on feedback from students and managers a like. I feel that my course in in a constant state of improvement.
Yes I agree, the course has to evaluated annually to check if it’s still relevant and meeting the objective and aspirations of the students. The best course is a course which is streamlined and modified to meet the requirements of medical / allied health boards especially in healthcare.
I feel the same way. The only problem I find is trying to find balance between saving time, and and updating the course. When I update the course, I begin to consider a whole range of possibilities, and then it takes time to weed out these possibilities, and polish an idea/activity to include in class.
Daniel, So true. We've got to stay on top of things and try not to fall behind. Once we fall behind, it can be a big challenge getting back up to speed.
Dr. Melissa Read
I must agree Todd. In this industry it is very easy to fall behind. Staying current with the latest materials will only help.
Brenda, Good point. If everyone in the class does poorly on an exam, something is probably wrong. It's important to carefully diagnose these situations to learn more.
Dr. Melissa Read
I also take into consideration the grades. If I notice that the majority of the students are missing the same question to me that is a red flag. Maybe the question is too tricky or I didn't discuss it clearly in the class.
I work days in the medical field and then teach at night. I bring in the information from the field and incorporate the new info into the exsisting lecture. Everyone can read a book but students find an interest in what's happening in the field.
Indeed true Todd. We should continuously optimize our teaching materials to stay current and give our students the very best.
as new information comes out, you have to add it to your lesson, this way you stay on top of whats new.
Updating course material is essential to the sucess of the student. However, unless it involoves statistcs course material can be tweaked throughout the course through an ongoing basis. I find many instructors do this each block with out reason.
I like the idea of always adjusting and improving, but I am also careful about not disposing of old materials completely. A situation may arise where some older material may be applicable and helpful
I like to change periodically. I find that I have learned new things that I want to bring to the table, and changing things up also alleviates any boredom with the material.
Updating the course material is important spacially this day and age where technology is moving at a rapid pace , certain industries require that we stay on top of things and relearn new methods .
That's the right approach Sarah. Most of the time, dramatic change is not needed, but a graduate evolution of course material can keep you fresh and current.
I don't change my material EVERY time I teach a course but I will make adjustments on occassion.
I don't mind updating my course material every now and again, because the information might change. Or, I might learn something new that I want to add. I always look for improvment.
Many administrations make these kinds of rules Anthony. We have to be thoughtful about how we get around them, but we can still make the changes we need.
In my school we cannot make any major changes to the curriculum without approval, but we can add to it. This is an approach I like to use to enhance the course. I also like to do the same thing to my lectures.