Get Your Students Hired
If your program chair came into your classroom would he/she want to be your student? Something to think about whenever you are teaching.
To break up the "boring lecture" I involve the students in discussing personal experiences.
If the instructor is engaging, motivational,and highly knowledgeable in the material being presented I would want to be part of that classroom atmosphere.
I only know the percentages for Visual, auditory and kinesthetic. In the generalnpopulation visual is 70%, auditory 10%, Kinesthetic is 20%. In career schools kinesthetic is higher and visual is a bit lower.
The book we use has a disc with a bunch of games on it that we play in class. Puzzles, labeling, concentration games, etc. I pass my laser light around the room and each students comments or gives insight in these games. They do get quite competitive.
Dimitria, this sounds like a way for those not in the classroom to stay connected to those that are. I'd be thrilled if I had that opportunity. Thanks for sharing!
At my institution, every couple of weeks, program managers and the Director of Education conduct informal evaluations on classroom activity from each instructor. Each faculty member is also evaluated for an entire class period once per term. This gives a "real" sense of what type of activities and instruction is going on in the classroom. It is not a way of playing "big brother"; it is more a way of sharing ideas and ensuring faculty are on the same page regarding instructional resources.
Bonnielee, it is a juggling act as to what needs to be covered with diverse groups. This is something that changes class to class. If you get through all the simple, and you have time to get to complex, do it.
I feel in the diverse population I teach in, ages 17-73 that some on the basic levels I teach would be to simple for my program chair. My program chair is very educated and I would have to come up with an activity that would engage her to keep her from thinking it might be to simplified. I however feel that with the diverse group of student I have, I have to cover from the very simple to the more complex.
Rosita, it's funny how things change. Technology has taken a role in making flashcards into games and interactive online formats. We can learn to adapt in our classes, too.
This is the area that I lacked with Medical Terminology. When I went to nursing school, it was about flashcards and memorization. I adopted that concept until recently when I found an interactive "memory game" and then just built from there.
I agree. Reflection is a critical aspect of each class period. With reflection most of the time you know if you connected with the students during that lessons. If you feel that you did not connect as well as you would have liked, then assess how you could enhance the lesson. Teaching is like learnig it's an ongoing process that is never quite complete. So, with reflection great lessons may still be enhanced.
This is a great way to critically look at your class. I try to make sure that there is a part of the class that brings out that Ah-ha moment. I try to get a fact that will stay with the student about whatever subject I am teaching
Students often right harder questions than we would, Mariann, so that is a great strategy.
I make up a test with questions the students have created with regards to different disease processes and medications. Students feel empowered by this strategy.
Mariann U
Thank you. I learn something new everyday here at our school. An instructor always has to stay on their toes. This is what I tell prospective students during the school interview process, "If you’re always willing to learn no matter your age, your potential is limitless!" I am a firm believer, you can teach an old dog new tricks. Have a great day.
Glad to see you have the attitude of a learner, yourself. It makes for an excellent teacher.