Getting Started - Course Instruction

Teaching Tips

Students learn in different ways. They may be auditory learners, visual learners, tactile learners, or a combination. Therefore, it is important to vary your instructional techniques to reach all students and promote optimal learning. Below is a listing of instructional techniques you may wish to employ in the classroom.

• Formal Lecture: Traditional form of teaching in which the instructor prepares a lesson and lectures directly to the class. Formal lecture is straightforward and logical. It appeals to the auditory learners.
• Class Discussion: A topic is introduced and students exchange thoughts and engage in discourse. Including class discussion in your instruction promotes exchange of ideas.
• Group Exercises and Projects: Students work collaboratively on exercises or projects; student interaction and participation occurs.
• Case Studies: Study or analysis of a selected situation, individual or item. Analytical, critical thinking and problem solving skills are engaged. Case studies are useful in small group exercises.
• Audio/Visual: Includes DVD or VHS videos and audio/visual tapes. These are educational and can stimulate class discussions. In our TV age, students find this form of instruction familiar and beneficial.
• Brainstorming Activities: Brainstorming activities include the free flow of ideas.
• Student Presentations: Students are given a subject and are asked to research, prepare a lesson and teach the class. These presentations encourage student participation, demonstration of knowledge and communication skills, while building self confidence. This is a good opportunity to incorporate technology in the classroom by requiring PowerPoint presentations.
• Homework Exercises: Includes accompanying text workbook exercises or end of chapter questions, research assignments and observational reports. These exercises allow students time for reflection and reinforce class lessons.
• Role Playing: Students are assigned roles relating to the subject area and “mock” perform in groups or in front of the entire class. Students may even dress up or use props. Students hone professional and communication skills.
• Guest Speakers: Individuals are invited to the classroom to share their work or life experiences related to the topic. Advisory board members, full-time and adjunct faculty should be considered. Inspirational to students.
• PowerPoint: Visual presentation software program which allows you to create slides, notes, outlines and handouts. PowerPoint presentations introduce technology into the classroom and can be incorporated into formal lectures.
• Field Trips: On or off campus visits to various locations such as the library, gallery and courthouse. Field trips provide students with real world and hands-on experience.