For many of my students, Computer Basics 1 is their first step on the bridge that crosses the digital divide. These students are scared, they're uncomfortable, and they expect to be frustrated and feel stupid. For other students, though--the ones who already know how to use the mouse and keyboard--the Basics 1 class is a test of endurance. Can they stay awake for two hours of mousing exercises?
As their teacher, my challenge is clear: Keep the interest high for the experienced users; keep the pace slow enough for the inexperienced. Oh, and be encouraging. And patient. And enthusiastic.
This week, I took on this challenge by completely revising the structure and presentation of the class. While I don't usually use PowerPoint (unless I'm teaching it), I thought the students would find the images helpful and more memorable. I also added slides just to remind us (meaning me) to pause for questions, and I scheduled a break about 50 minutes in so that some students could recover while others could ask me more advanced questions.
I didn't think I could ever have much fun in this class, but I had a blast. The students did, too, or so they told me.
Here's the presentation: Computer Basics 1
Monday, January 14, 2013
New Year, New Teaching Goals
Computer classes are in full swing again at the library, and I'm revamping my teaching techniques and class structure to make classes more comfortable, fun, and useful for students.
I started this year by identifying some of my weaknesses, reflecting on their underlying causes, and developing strategies to overcome them:
Weakness #1: I do too much for students instead of letting them struggle--and learn--how to address problems themselves. Why? Sometimes to move class along. Sometimes because I want them to feel comfortable and to like me for helping them out. The problem is, I'm not really helping. I'm enabling.
Strategy #1: Tell students at the beginning of class that I will avoid touching their mouse and keyboard at all costs so that they can get all the practice they can. Also, let students know that instead of telling them what to do step-by-step, I will be asking questions to help them become more independent computer users. By announcing my approach before class, I will not only help students know what to expect, I will also establish a standard to which I can hold myself accountable.
Weakness #2: Not enough prepared analogies/explanations to help students grasp abstract concepts. Why? Lack of forethought and planning.
Strategy #2: Stockpile analogies. They're out there, and I can develop my own. Practice creating and delivering explanations BEFORE class. Have two or three explanations prepared so that I can really help students instead of saying, "This is a little tricky to understand...." and then just trailing off.
Weakness #3: Less-than-effective time management. Why? Accepted pre-packaged lesson plans without adapting them to adjust to learner's needs.
Strategy #3: Revise lesson plans for current courses. Be very deliberate about the timing for teacher talk, class activities, independent practice, breaks, and time for questions. Announce scheduling at the beginning of class. Adjust as necessary.
No doubt I will tweak other areas of my teaching in the coming months. I'll also be taping myself to gather even more feedback, particularly for presentation skills (vocal variety, body language, etc.). Reports on progress to come.
I started this year by identifying some of my weaknesses, reflecting on their underlying causes, and developing strategies to overcome them:
Weakness #1: I do too much for students instead of letting them struggle--and learn--how to address problems themselves. Why? Sometimes to move class along. Sometimes because I want them to feel comfortable and to like me for helping them out. The problem is, I'm not really helping. I'm enabling.
Strategy #1: Tell students at the beginning of class that I will avoid touching their mouse and keyboard at all costs so that they can get all the practice they can. Also, let students know that instead of telling them what to do step-by-step, I will be asking questions to help them become more independent computer users. By announcing my approach before class, I will not only help students know what to expect, I will also establish a standard to which I can hold myself accountable.
Weakness #2: Not enough prepared analogies/explanations to help students grasp abstract concepts. Why? Lack of forethought and planning.
Strategy #2: Stockpile analogies. They're out there, and I can develop my own. Practice creating and delivering explanations BEFORE class. Have two or three explanations prepared so that I can really help students instead of saying, "This is a little tricky to understand...." and then just trailing off.
Weakness #3: Less-than-effective time management. Why? Accepted pre-packaged lesson plans without adapting them to adjust to learner's needs.
Strategy #3: Revise lesson plans for current courses. Be very deliberate about the timing for teacher talk, class activities, independent practice, breaks, and time for questions. Announce scheduling at the beginning of class. Adjust as necessary.
No doubt I will tweak other areas of my teaching in the coming months. I'll also be taping myself to gather even more feedback, particularly for presentation skills (vocal variety, body language, etc.). Reports on progress to come.
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