Difficult Dialogues can occur in any setting, at any time. Being prepared to engage in spontaneous or planned dialogues in the classroom is critical for maintaining a respectful classroom environment. A collection of guidelines and resources about seizing these teachable moments.
Tech Tip – Establishing a Positive Online Environment
To successfully negotiate difficult dialogues in the virtual classroom, an environment of trust must be nurtured between students and instructors. Seven Tips for Creating a Positive Online Learning Experience.
Balancing work and social demands can be challenging. Outlining the time expectations for your course can help your students be better prepared for class as well as enhance learning potential. For suggestions see “Tips to Emphasize Time on Task”.
Tech Tip – Tools for Improving Time on Task
Technology can greatly improve time on task when used effectively. Electronic reserve, online assignments, and WebCT are just a few examples of the tools available to increase efficiency. “Time Plus Energy Equals Learning”.
The National Survey on Student Engagement (NSSE) designates five benchmarks for effectively engaging our students in coursework. Increasing connection with students encourages deeper learning of course content. For more, see “What does it mean to be “engaged” in learning?”.
Tech Tip: Faculty-student engagement is adaptable in the online classroom, as well as face-to-face environment. Tips for Encouraging Student-Faculty Contact via technology.
In a recent edition of Tomorrow’s Professors, teaching without clear learning objectives made a list of “The 10 Worst Teaching Mistakes”. Communicating explicit learning objectives will help guide students toward your intended outcomes. The complete list of the “Top 10” teaching mistakes.
Tech Tip: Using Twitter for professional development is becoming increasingly common, not only in the business world, but for academics as well. Check out: The list of “100 Terrific Twitter Feeds for Teaching Advice”.
