Award Winning Tools Tips and Techniques for Classroom

Instruction by STARLINK

What IsGood

College Teaching?

The Best

What is the best college teaching?

A really good teacher:• stimulates intellectual and emotional

excitement about learning • cultivates the interpersonal dimension,

and develops relationships with students• cares about and finds joy in teaching,

really enjoy students as people, and delights in students learning their subject

Select Two Learning Topics1. Using video2. Incorporating current technology

into the classroom3. Creating an atmosphere that opens

the mind to learning4. Peer observation 5. Attributes of the best teachers6. Group work7. Effective use of guiding questions8. Problem based learning9. First day of class tips10. Last day of class tips

Attributes of Good Teachers

Think:

Write down one attribute of your favorite teacher

Pair:

Discuss attributes with group

Share:

• Present to class

Using Video

Incorporating current technology into the

classroom

Creating an atmosphere that opens the mind to learning

• Create a friendly environment, table placement etc.

• Use humour

• Lay out expectations

• Create an environment of trust and risk taking

Peer Observation / Appreciation

The educational literature suggests that peer observation can be one of the most effective methods of enhancing the practice of learning and teaching. This exchange is particularly valuable if the observation involves instructors visiting one another’s classrooms and exchanging ideas and concerns in a trusting and respectful manner.

1. Preparing for the Observation

• Talk with the Instructor and learn about the type of class you will be observing

• It is a privilege to visit another Instructors classroom, remember it should be done with the utmost respect and appreciation

• Let the Instructor mention possible observation focus points, this observation can be a learning experience for both the observer and observee

Three Phases of Observation

Three Phases of Observation

2. Observing in the Classroom

• The Instructor being observed teaches class as usual

• The Instructor doing the observation sits quietly in the back of the class and takes notes while being careful not to interrupt the flow of class.

3. Post Observation Debriefing• Meet in an informal manner to discuss

teaching and learning

• Compliment teaching strengths

• Optional - share positively worded suggestions

• Conclude on a friendly and respectful note

• Optional - share anonymous reflections on blog with your community of practice

Three Phases of Observation

Group work

Effective use of guiding questions

Questioning Method

• Rhetorical

• Group

• Pointed

• Student /instructor feedback –

• 40% were comfortable with the pointed approach,

• 30% preferred group questions, • 20 percent preferred all three• 10% undecided 

Suggestions by Instructors  • Use the pointed approach during reviews in the morning • Use the group approach while covering new material.  • Let students know in advance what pointed questions you will be asking them to give them time to prepare their answers so that they will not feel uncomfortable and put on the spot.

Problem Based Learning

• Pulp Mill in Malaysia

• Moving away from the text book to the shoe box

First day of class tips

Last day of class tips

Teaching Resources

• Educational Technology – OC website Employees/IT services/Educational Tech.

• Instructional Resources – MyOkanagan Blackboard/my courses/instructional resources

• Learning object repository – Merlot www.merlot.org

Questions?

ILLT Website www.okanagan.bc.ca/about/ILLT

Rob Kjarsgaard, M.A.Institute for Leadership in Learning and Teaching rkjarsgaard@okanagan.bc.ca250 503 2670