Classroom Spotlight
Archives for February 2012 « Recent Articles
OfflineWhen asked to showcase my best practices to share with others, I had to really search for the right words to convey what I do because I do what feels natural for me. Having been a distant learner during my PhD program I know that there are times students feel as if they are in never-never land, between hard walls and outer space. It can be pretty lonely out there. For that reason, I check into my classroom frequently so that students don’t feel as if they have no lifeline to help guide them.
I tell people that I am successful as an instructor because I am present for my students, but thinking about that, I realize it is more than just being present, whatever that might mean. It all starts with my philosophy of adult learning. I realize that adults come with a knowledge base on which they are building and expanding and I acknowledge that through comments that I make when students first introduce themselves. I look for something in the introduction to either have them expand on, or…
OfflineBuilding rapport during each discussion is important for two aspects. First, each student not only needs to answer the discussion questions, usually two for an undergraduate class, but needs to incorporate experience and characteristics of their character and knowledge. Secondly, students gather the foundational meaning of each discussion question and may answer more appropriately in simply two or three replies.
Rapport is important in all business communication and also in the classroom. The introduction or bio a student gives should not stop at the discussion café but go through the entire course for each discussion each week. Building rapport during each discussion is important for two aspects. First, each student not only needs to answer the discussion questions, usually two for an undergraduate class, but needs to incorporate experience and characteristics of their character and knowledge.…
OfflineIn any class the most important role of a faculty is to engage students in active learning by creating an environment that students have the opportunity to interact with faculty and their peers.
I provide regular, constructive and timely feedback for class discussions, written assignments and their progress which encourages students to be active learners. In classes such as economics presenting the real world examples and applications gives meaning to the theories and makes these theories more intuitive and enhances all learning styles. Class discussion questions are geared to encourage critical thinking by allowing students learning independently by research and learning form their…
OfflineEasing the Transition to Online Learning - David Mancina
The online environment can be very daunting for many students as they try to transition from the traditional brick and mortar classroom environment. In my classes I strive to provide a very hands-on and active classroom.
One of the best ways that I find that works is to include my personal experiences in my responses to the discussion questions. I find that the students gain a better understanding of the material when they can relate the concepts from the text to a real world example. For example, in one of the auditing classes that I facilitate, I will provide actual audit programs that I have used during the course of an audit. This allows the students to make the connection between how an auditor creates an…
OfflineI absolutely love the discussion forums in GCU’s online classrooms and I do believe that discussion in any class (even a math class) is paramount to the learning experience. This is an easy thing for me to say because I truly love mathematics and I truly love discussing it. Many of my students, however, have a very different outlook when it comes to discussing mathematics and they really don’t know where to even start sometimes.
I find this to be true, particularly in the 100 level courses and I often see posts that might say something like, "it sure is easier to do the math than explain it or discuss it." I have to admit, I can completely sympathize with those who feel this way because discussing mathematics is not something with which most students have much experience. The Classroom Policies document gives students some good guidelines and suggests that they incorporate personal experience and practical application…
OfflineHow long after a lecture or hearing someone speak do you remember what they have taught you? In a month's time you will probably have forgotten most of what they had taught you!! In this short article, you will learn how to challenge students to apply what they are learning so that their lives will be transformed by what they are learning!!
Application Equals Transformation
I have always thought that if you are not able to apply the information that you are learning then it is not very useful or even worthless. How many of us can remember a lecture that we heard one week ago or a month ago. If we challenge students to apply what they are learning then their lives will be transformed because they will remember what they are learning forever.
I have always believed that application equals…
OfflineFacilitating courses online at GCU has been a rewarding experience for me. I enjoy bringing my teaching experience into a venue that is enlightening for others.
The most effective teaching strategy I use in my online classes is communication. I believe my students deserve respect and consideration, and I contact each one often and answer questions promptly. I get to know my students on a more personal level when I can communicate with them several times a day. Keeping in touch also aids me in giving positive feedback and guiding students to the many resources available.
Faculty Spotlight
Mary Speropulos has been involved in education for over…
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Classroom Spotlight features examples of excellence from GCU classrooms. Please submit your nominations for Classroom Spotlight to [email protected].
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