Book Summary

 

Improving Your Classroom Teaching

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Weimer, Maryellen (1993).  Improving Your Classroom Teaching.  Newbury Park, CA:  SAGE Publications.  

Problem:, most professors learn by experience.  As a result, most of their learning is intuitive and thus hard to quantify and pass on.  Though a research literature exists on teaching, most rarely consult it.

Solution:  Meta-analysis has identified five interrelated components of effective instruction common across disciplines, teachers, and students:

  1. enthusiasm

  2. preparation and organization

  3. ability to stimulate student thought and interest

  4. clarity

  5. knowledge and love of the content

ENTHUSIASTIC TEACHERS

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 spoke in a more dramatic way

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moved around more, gestured more, & used more facial expressions

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smiled, laughed, and told jokes while teaching

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didn’t rely on prepared notes

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were free of distracting mannerisms

PREPARATION AND ORGANIZATION

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developed well-prepared syllabi:  specific goals and objectives, specific calendar, and clear policies on grading, conduct, and academic integrity

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used a variety of learning modes and learning activities

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communicated class structure by using outlines

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assess learning well:  test their objectives with well-written exam questions and a variety of assignments

STIMULATING STUDENT THOUGHT AND INTEREST

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question students well (e.g., adequate time to answer)

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don’t intimidate students

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handle wrong answers constructively

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provide structure and closure for discussions without controlling them

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use group work effectively: make tasks clear, give appropriate amount of time for activity, and honor group products

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use collaborative learning (e.g., writing groups)

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are entertaining, but in the service of instruction

CLARITY

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use different methods to assess whether material is clear to students: attention to nonverbal cues, questions, examining students’ class notes and written products

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review their content delivery (e.g., taping and reviewing their performances)

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make content relevant (e.g., by starting with a current event and segueing to the topic)

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use examples that are accurate, clear, attractive, and transferable

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solicit examples from students

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are good storytellers

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use metaphors and analogies

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use demonstrations, simulations, and case studies

KNOWLEDGE AND LOVE OF THE CONTENT

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are more than content experts:  they recognize that learning how to teach is a separate area.

   

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