Full Description
This book provides a wealth of suggestions, techniques and ideas for the novice instructor. It does not promote a particular teaching style or theoretical orientation, but draws upon recent research findings and years of experience in the trenches of higher education. There are helpful hints on such topics as writing the syllabus, handling complains about "unfair" test questions and grades, preventing cheating, improving teaching performance, using active learning techniques, and lecturing effectively. Using short "mini" essays and chapters, the book covers the whole spectrum of teaching at the postsecondary level, from the instructor's first-day jitters to preparing a tenure portfolio.
Contents
1.The Mental Groundwork.
2.Basic Course Components.
Constructing the Syllabus.What Needs to Be in a Syllabus.Departing From the Syllabus.Selecting a Text.Problems to Avoid.Weighting Tests, Assignments, and Participation/Attendance.Assignments as Pedagogical Tools.Critical Thinking.Techniques for Developing Critical Thinking.Assignments: How Much Is Too Much, Too Little?Do I Have to Read Every Sentence?Should Spelling and Grammatical Errors Be Overlooked?What Student Presentations Could and Should Accomplish.
3.Classroom Strategies.
The First Class Meeting.Judging How Much Material to Prepare.Ice-Breakers and Warm-Ups.Dynamic Lecturing.Active Learning Strategies.Why Use Active Learning Techniques?Active Learning Techniques You Can Use
