A few semester goals
September 2nd, 2006 by SplineGuy
I thought I would put down in writing a few of the ideas and goals that I have in mind for the current semester. I see it as an attempt to document some specific efforts I am making in my class. Honestly, it is not something that I have really ever done before but I know that it will be useful. I have hesitated to do it because, despite the fact that I feel very comfortable in front of the class and am usually quite confident in my ability to explain concepts to the confused, I don’t know much about pedagogy or how my strategies fit in to the world of cognitive theory. There are a lot of folks out there who know a great deal more than I do when it comes to education. So I can only speak from my limited experience in the classroom and from what I feel has worked for me and what hasn’t.
Goals:
1. Fewer open ended questions: I ask a lot of questions in my classes, especially in the lower level courses, just to make sure that everyone in the classroom is on the same page. However, the most common result of this has been that there are a few (~20%) in the class that then take over the interactive portion of my lectures. The rest are left to follow along silently. Now, I most often feel that they are on the same page and I do make a concerted effort to make sure that everyone agrees with our methodology before moving on. My students here me say, “Does that make sense?”, an awful lot. Nevertheless, I am working on directing my questions to individuals, to the entire class for a vote, or to portions of the class, such as pairs or other small groups.
Specific strategy: Utilize impromptu pairwise discussions, which if I remember correctly, were called “Think-Pair-Share” activities in our recent Professional Development
2. More small group work both at their desk and at the board. I admire one of my colleagues for her ability to set aside a great deal more time for board work than I do. I don’t know quite how she manages it but I think that I spend way to much time explaining and verbally motivating concepts and not leaving them enough time to work some of the knowledge out for themselves, in class, with other students and myself available.
Specific Strategy: At least once every 3 classes, I will utilize a group activity.
3. Better use of course management software, namely Blackboard. I want to make better use of this resource by keeping grades up to date and homework assignments current. I also would like to be preparing some resources like reviews of factoring or some such, which the students can download. I am thinking along the lines of powerpoints or webcasts. Lastly, just linking the site to other known resources would give the students an additional avenue for help.
4. Staying on schedule: As an undergrad, I was both a math major and a Religion major. In addition to studying Abstract Algebra, Differential Equations and Analysis, I studied Christian Theology, New Testament Greek, and Preaching. I always told folks that I would grow up to be a math preacher. In a way, I am. You know, in the way that both professors and preachers love to hear the sound of their own voice, I am guilty of chasing way too many rabbits as a part of my lecture. I need a bit more discipline to accomplish what I need to in the time that I have without wasting it. Of course, a few rabbits are necessary to keep the hour from being too dry.
5. Don’t forget the faith. Even though I have become better about starting the semester right and praying for my students on the first day of class, I still let it fall to the wayside far too much throughout the semester. When we come across those examples of mathematical principles that bring light to spiritual principles, I will be sure to point it out. When I do in class, I will report on that here. After all, that is one of the missions of my blog.
That’s a great place to start.
