Hi,
The readings of this week were quite extensive and rich in volume and information as well. We all discussed an issue that some of us are directly affected and others only partially affected. However, engaging students' attention, it is a topic that involves us all, regardless of the fact that we teach small or large classes.
I learned a lot of new techniques that a teacher can use to motivate students and engage them in discussions in class.
However, the real challenge was the task of creating an interactive power point. We usually use power points only during lectures and this is related to two reasons (technical in nature): there is only one LCD projector in our department of 50 teachers and the teacher has to bring his/her own computer in class and additional equipment, if necessary. This situation really discourages us from using PPT more often.
Lecture were previously taught in class where the teacher talked all the time and students "listened", or the teacher spoke slowly and students wrote. It demotivated students so much to the point that they did not attend lectures any more. As a student of this old tradition and my other younger colleagues introduced PPT during our lectures. Still, our presentations are linear and were not at all interactive.
I even enhanced one of my existing lectures to an interactive PPT and I could realize immediately the benefits that it will have in my students. Firstly, it is more interesting and eye-catchy. Secondly, it allows students talk, discuss and share what they know. Thirdly, it even helps the teacher to activate discussion in class.
I would also like to say something regarding JiTT, briefing students before they come to class. I personally had an erroneous view in the past. I thought if students were previously informed on the content of the lecture, they will lose interest and will not be active. Whenever I raised a point to discuss, I never got back what I had actually thought. It was my mistake and not theirs.
I am definitely going to use JiTT this year and I will see if there is a difference. We are here to learn not only from our mistakes but from the new information that we are getting.
Regards,
Daniela
Dear Daniela,
ReplyDeleteInteresting reflection.
Believe it or not, there are still some places where the role of the student is a passive one. In our Engineering School here in chile, students are not used to interacting, asking questions, debating, let alone questioning the teachers. Hence our job has been really complicated. We've had to retrain the students to express their ideas openly and cooperatively.
Thanks,
Juan Cuevas
Dear Daniela, greetings from Caracas, Venezuela.
ReplyDeleteYour class situation resembles mine so much! Only that in my Department, English, we have two LCD projectors, and well, what we do is this: one of my coleagues an me (we have the same course at the same time,two differenct groups) We manage to clotter students in our room and use one of these projectors, and in that way we can offer something more than simply "talk" to the students in class. We also have to bring our personal PC to class and organize everything ourselves. I also enhanced one of my existing presentations and the results were awesome!
As for your point on JiTT, I am glad you have found a new perspective on this matter. In my case, it is fundamental to have students know class content before they come to class, otherwise, my class would turn merely in a lecture (boring!) Interaction and debate is esential to me and if I cannot achieve this, I simpply feel frustrated. The nature of the programme I teach is "students need to learn the language to be proffesional translators and interpreters" and if they do not communicate properly, well, they just fail.
By the way, I teach a very brief component that includes Mombasa in my component. I am very much attracted by the culture in your country! A friend got me a beatiful piece of cloth from Nairobi, with 6 Masai warriors on it, it has the most important place in my house!
All the best for you!
Cheers!
Mariale
Hi Daniela,
ReplyDeleteYou are right when saying: " We are here to learn not only from our mistakes but from the new information that we are getting. "
I think, the best way of becoming a good teacher-instructor is keeping sharing experience between each other...
As the saying goes: "experience is the best teacher" - The more we get, the better we become...
Best
Diana
Daniela,
ReplyDeleteThe week 6 materials are rich! There are endless resources offered through all the numerous website, and it sounds like you took full advantage of all the information you found.
I'm so happy to hear that you see the value in interactive PPTs. With a few techniques, you were able to transform an existing PPT to one that will involve your students in the lecture. I'm confident you will find success with this.
Further, you are now going to apply JiTT in your teaching. This is wonderful! Your lectures will become more productive and active this way.
It gives me great pleasure to know that the course is helping you gain new knowledge that you can use to create an engaging classroom environment for you students!
Best,
Courtney