Teaching Techniques
I believe that an instructor needs to be flexible in his/her teaching techniques because not all students learn the same way or learn under the same approach.
At the same time that instructors are flexible, they are teaching students to become flexible. This in fact will help them in their jobs and make them available to work successfully under different conditions.
Broderick,
I agree that students have different learning styles. That is very important to take in to consideration when you are even designing and online course. You would have a variety of activities and content delivery mechanisms to address that diversity of learning styles.
Herbert Brown III
I agree! Student's learning styles may vary, so it's important for Instructors to assess which teaching delivery method works best in each course.
Mamie,
We also have the ability as instructors to make sure their is enough leeway built in to the lessons to allow students to take an approach to completing an assignment that is very relevant to them and their goals. This is not always possible; however, it can be as easy as allowing students options such as a report, video, or other multimedia project to complete an assignment....instead of just a written report or essay.
Herbert Brown III
Excellent Point! I have found that it not only helps the students, it helps me improve and refine my delivery techniques as well.
I agree that flexibility is a vital component in teaching students. In addition, instructors must motivate students by demonstrating the value of their education and how their education will assist them in attaining their aspirations. Instructors must demonstrate their enthusiasm for the subject and inspire the students to succeed in the class.
Dr. Cheryl,
Part of demonstrating the value of their work is by ensuring that the content you provide, you provide in an applied and meaningful way. Concepts provided in a course without real-world value and examples are hard for some students to see as meaningful and valued. The more students can apply the new knowledge to their existing experiences and see the real world application, the more they will value the knowledge.
Herbert Brown III
Flexibility is an asset to both teachers and students. I agree completely that this will one day help them in their jobs. I have learned as an online teacher that you must be flexible, but at the same time maintain your standards as a teacher. It is important to maintain understanding and patience with all students. However, it is important that students know their boundaries as well.
Gracie,
You are correct both parties need to clearly understand the expectations of a learning environment. However, we all have one goal - student SUCCESS!
Herbert Brown III
What do you do when a college prefers a "prescribed" method of teaching with pre-recorded lecture, pre-scripted discussion, and little room for professor-student interaction. Where is the line between instructor and facilitator? Which is more effective?
Sheryl,
I can see both sides. For institutions that use numerous adjunct faculty it is imperative to find ways to ensure consistency between course sections. In these environments you are much more likely to be a facilitator. I personally would have a hard time in that mode; however, as an administrator it is important for both.
Herbert Brown III
The Socratic method promotes student-centered learning and allow students an ability to further develop critical thinking and participate in discussions to analyze material more in-depth working in circles or seminars. “The goal of the Socratic method is to help students’ process information and engage in deeper understanding of topics. Most importantly, Socratic teaching engages students in dialogue and discussion that is collaborative and open-minded as opposed to debate, which is often competitive and individualized†(Coffey, n.d.). The Socratic Method may be used for student practice, working in circles, or seminar participation.
Coffey, H. (n.d.). Socratic Method Retrieved from http://www.learnnc.org/lp/pages/4994
Valerie,
The Socratic method is a broad strategy in my opinion. How are you going to apply this method specifically in an online environment to encourage student learning and interaction? Is there a specific way you feel you will design and evaluate your discussions and other elements of your online course to facilitate the incorporation of this method?
Herbert Brown III
Flexibility and creativity are important attributes of an instructor. As stated, students learn in diverse ways making it critical that instructors use a variety of different styles to facilitate learning. This could be simply telling stories, posing questions, providing real-world examples. The more tools a teacher uses, the more successful the students can be!
Mathew,
I agree that the diversity of tools used can be very effective to reach students. Every students learns in a different way. By providing a mixture of opportunities not only in the tools but also the structure of the assignments we can reach our students more effectively.
Herbert Brown III
I agree that an instructor needs to be flexible because all students are different and have different learning styles. Therefore, content has to be delivered creatively to meet those needs. Also, being flexible will teach them how to adapt to different situations that they might be faced with in the real world.
Diane,
I agree 100%. If you can design assignments with enough flexibility to connect with most student's interests they will be more motivated as well to complete the assignment. From my experience students also work a little harder and put a little more effort in the quality of their work when the are more directly connected with the content and see the relevance of it to their personal lives (again increasing their motivation factor).
Herbert Brown III
Yes!! Several of the studio-based classes that I teach provide general outlines for their assignment and I always encourage them to make it personal and interesting for themselves. It's not just about completing homework and earning a grade in my class, it's about developing a portfolio and the breadth of work tackled speaks volumes about who they are as artists and designers. To get them motivated, I show them videos, images, previous student work samples, and more to amp up their excitement. It is my hope that this enthusiasm translates into quality work.
Desiree,
I really like how you motivate your students through what they like and seeing other students' work to help them determine an acceptable level of performance in the course.
Herbert Brown III
