Week 6: teaching large classes effectively
I was very busy this week. I read, I created an interactive PowerPoint, I discussed, I implemented the change...I learned a lot especially about how to integrate technology in classes, mainly in large classes.
First of all in the article teaching large classes effectively in http://serc.carleton.edu/NAGTWorkshops/earlycareer/teaching/latgeclasseshtml I read about teaching large classes. The author provides with lots of possibilities to help teach and keeep students engaged in large classes.
The first aid proposed is " in-class activities" such as pair work, group work, make students act, reflect...
The second is "out of class group assignment", a great technique to solve the problem of grading.
I can make technology work for me. So finding an adequate technology is interesting and fundamental for the large classes. Immediate feedback empowers students. And the fact that they can use technology outside the classroom is a very good thing.
I also read Teaching large classes-Enhancing Learning by engaging students by Rick Finnan and Donna Shaw: http:tep.uoregon.edu/resources/largeclasses/engagingstudents/buldingrelationships.html. Many good methods are mention in this website. It list up some problems with large lecture- style classes such as the lack of interaction with the professors, inadequacy of classroom facilities and environment, lack of frequent testing and grading... My own experience with large classes and all that I read all this week that need to be done for large classes to be taught effectively is so demanding.
By the grace of this course the problem is losing weight; I feel the change. I implemented the change, and I could not recognize the students. A whole post will be on the change I implemented. A very simple change but so engaging.
I called this week the interactive week because I worked so much on my interactive PowerPoint. I really enjoy doing it. In this PPT that I made, students can learn by themselves.
Bernadette
Hi Bernadette,
ReplyDeleteIt's absolutely true that it has been a very busy week for all of us. But we indeed have learned a lot from the reading materials and ideas for all of us to conduct large classes. It's also very interesting to use in-class activities and assignments apart from the class time. I am glad to hear that you have implemented the change. From your sentence " I could not recognize the students", I can guess that you have achieved a certain degree of success with your students with the change. I am looking forward to reading your post about the change you have implemented.
Best,
Sophia
Hi Lingani,
ReplyDeleteIt is right to call this week as INTERACTIVE, we were so ACTIVE in reading,posting,creating implementing, and finally reflecting about this great experiment.I also as you,I loved PPT which is not only for presenting information as we have been taught!
Best, Baraat
Hi Barrat!
ReplyDeleteThank for your comment. I like it
Best!
Bernadette