Friday, March 14, 2008
Silver Anniversary Thoughts
My first teaching year began in August 1983. I approach my Silver anniversary of teaching in higher education. It took me 25 years to realize that I do not have to stand in front of the room and give all the answers. As I prepare my University Seminar for Spring 2008 and reflect on the amazing work accomplished from the class in Fall 2007, I realize that I merely need to help craft the question and then, get out of the way. If I can lead the class incrementally to see the possibilities, and provide them with the tools they need, they will take the steps toward finding the answers. So Happy Anniversary to me, and lucky for my students I have seen the light!
Friday, February 15, 2008
Teaching all day
Lessons learned from experience and course evaluations.
These are a dozen tips I learned recently teaching a class from 9-4. These work in McLeod Hall only. I had 28 students in Room 1003.
I reserved the mobile laptop cart in advance in case anyone had computer problems as computers are required.
1. Start on time.
2. Arrive 30 minutes early and check out the room and start the computer and overhead.
3. Put a slide up that says: "Welcome to GNUR 807 with Sarah Farrell. Class begins at 9 am" I also take out my water bottle, chapstick and tissues.
note: I then try to leave before students start to arrive and get settled.
4. Walk back in at 2 minutes before class.
5. Start on time. Put up Slide 2 with the agenda. Introduction to faculty, Review Syllabus and Calendar, introductions of students. content map of class.
6. Introduce self, but hold on class introductions until you review the syllabus.
7. Introduce self, review syllabus and class expectations. Take a break after 50 minutes. Tell class they will get a break every hour on the hour at x:50 to take care of their needs. This prevents the need for disruptions and people can make their plans when they will check in with work and home.
8. At the beginning of each hour, show a short video clip or some fun slide to make a point in your transition. I used You tube clips such as Dance Evolution, a clip from Ted Talks or baby laughing. The alien song was also effective.
9. Then at the end of break I ask students, please close your laptops. It is okay, the information will still be there when you open it. (note: some students are hesitant, and halfway close it. I wait til all are closed).
10. We collaboratively wrote a script for introductions. Students were asked to stick to the script. Name, hometown, job position, speciality, year earned Masters and where, ideas for capstone project.
11. We used the Flip Video camera, so one student had the experience of using the equipment while the other spoke.
12. For every hour thereafter, I start with 2 minute clip, gave a short 15 -20 minute lecture, close laptops and have discussion for 30 minutes or open laptops and do a problem set related to informatics.
These are a dozen tips I learned recently teaching a class from 9-4. These work in McLeod Hall only. I had 28 students in Room 1003.
I reserved the mobile laptop cart in advance in case anyone had computer problems as computers are required.
1. Start on time.
2. Arrive 30 minutes early and check out the room and start the computer and overhead.
3. Put a slide up that says: "Welcome to GNUR 807 with Sarah Farrell. Class begins at 9 am" I also take out my water bottle, chapstick and tissues.
note: I then try to leave before students start to arrive and get settled.
4. Walk back in at 2 minutes before class.
5. Start on time. Put up Slide 2 with the agenda. Introduction to faculty, Review Syllabus and Calendar, introductions of students. content map of class.
6. Introduce self, but hold on class introductions until you review the syllabus.
7. Introduce self, review syllabus and class expectations. Take a break after 50 minutes. Tell class they will get a break every hour on the hour at x:50 to take care of their needs. This prevents the need for disruptions and people can make their plans when they will check in with work and home.
8. At the beginning of each hour, show a short video clip or some fun slide to make a point in your transition. I used You tube clips such as Dance Evolution, a clip from Ted Talks or baby laughing. The alien song was also effective.
9. Then at the end of break I ask students, please close your laptops. It is okay, the information will still be there when you open it. (note: some students are hesitant, and halfway close it. I wait til all are closed).
10. We collaboratively wrote a script for introductions. Students were asked to stick to the script. Name, hometown, job position, speciality, year earned Masters and where, ideas for capstone project.
11. We used the Flip Video camera, so one student had the experience of using the equipment while the other spoke.
12. For every hour thereafter, I start with 2 minute clip, gave a short 15 -20 minute lecture, close laptops and have discussion for 30 minutes or open laptops and do a problem set related to informatics.
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