Professional Documents
Culture Documents
1 Classroom Dynamics
1 Classroom Dynamics
Classroom Dynamics
How do you get students to do what you want them to do? What do students want teachers to do? What are YOU going to do in your class?
Being a great teacher means having less time and energy to be a great researcher.
I didnt answer totally truthfully to one of these statements (including this one).
The most important skill for being a great section leader is public speaking or presentation style.
The best discussion leader says very little and lets the students do almost all of the talking.
Telling students exactly whats on an exam and how to prepare for it is babying them.
Anyone can improve basic teaching skills, but really great teachers just have a natural gift.
YOUR TURN
Factor 1: Rapport Offers to help students with problems Interested in students' ideas Sensitive to students' feelings Available for consultation outside of class Talks with students before or after class Tolerant of other points of view Concerned that students understand subject matter Knows individual students by name Flexible regarding deadlines and requirements Praises students for good ideas Shows strong interest in subject matter
Factor 2: Interest Relates subject matter to current events Describes personal experiences relevant to subject matter States own point of view on controversial issues Focuses on controversial issues within subject matter Points out practical applications of concepts Relates subject matter to student interests or activities Gives everyday, reallife examples to illustrate concepts Tells jokes or humorous anecdotes Presents challenging, thought-provoking ideas
Factor 3: Disclosure Advises students about how to prepare for tests or exams Tells which topics are most important for exam purposes Tells exactly what is expected on tests or in assignments Provides sample exam questions Makes students aware of overall objectives of course Advises students about how to prepare assignments Suggests organizational schemes for learning material Suggests ways of memorizing complicated ideas
Have yourself videotaped and watch yourself teach. Try a CTL communication class or vocal improv class
Sinker
How do I get students to do what I want?
Be clear about your goals, and plan your first class to emphasize process, not just content.