Teaching Techniques - Class Notes

Reminders

  • Written Assignment: Revised deadline - February 15
  • Online Module: Discuss with instructor
  • MTM-3 Lab: Sign and submit confidentiality form by February 10
  • Conflict of Interest: Submit by February 10
  • Mandatory Preparation: February 13 and February 27 classes – please be prompt
  • Guest Speaker: February 13 - Will Heikoop, Coordinator, Digital Learning Innovation

Written Assignment Details

  • Due Date: February 15, 2025
  • Format: 1000 word referenced essay (title and references excluded)
  • Options:
  • A: Evaluate Assessment Processes in the PharmD program (analysis of strengths, challenges, suggestions for improvement)
  • B: Evaluate Educational Technology Use in PharmD program (analysis of strengths, challenges, suggestions for improvement)
  • Resources: Available on library page Library Guide

Assignment Evaluation Criteria

  • Focus, Logic, Coherence (15%): Organized, clear expression, minimal errors
  • Critical Analysis (35%): Objective analysis of topic with constructive clarity
  • Recommendations for Improvement (35%): Meaningful, critical understanding of literature
  • Engagement (15%): Informative, engaging tone with appropriate references

Objectives for Class

  • Understand different teaching techniques for student engagement
  • Identify when to use specific teaching techniques
  • Reflect on personal learning experiences using teaching techniques

Teaching Factors Affecting Teaching

  • Students: Engagement and prior knowledge
  • Teachers: Experience and instructional style
  • Milieu: Class environment and context
  • Content: Complexity and relevance of material

Facilitation vs. Lecturing

  • Facilitation:
  • Focus on process vs. content
  • Role of coach/guide vs. content expert
  • Promotes active learning
  • Lecturing:
  • Content delivery with passive learning approach

Curriculum Development Orientations

  1. Transmission Position: Knowledge is transmitted through facts and skills (e.g., lectures)
  2. Transaction Position: Interactive problem-solving education between student and curriculum
  3. Transformation Position: Holistic approach promoting personal and social transformation through self-reflection

Learning Outcomes Assessment

  • Clear definition of student learning objectives
  • Evaluation through feedback and assessment methods
  • Alignment of teaching and learning activities with desired outcomes

Significant Learning Experiences

  • Focus on development of
  • Communication skills
  • Critical thinking
  • Learning how to learn
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Emphasizes long-term significant change in learning

Flipped Classroom Model

  • Students engage with content outside of class time (lectures, readings)
  • In-class activities focused on applying knowledge through engagement and inquiry
  • Bloom's Taxonomy:
  • Lower levels (knowledge, comprehension) outside class
  • Higher levels (application, analysis, etc.) during class

Benefits and Challenges of Flipped Classroom

  • Benefits:
  • Increased interaction and support
  • Enhanced engagement with higher-level concepts
  • Challenges:
  • Time-intensive preparation
  • Potential student resistance to the new format

Active Learning Strategies

  1. Group Round
  2. Jigsaw
  3. Buzz Groups (Think/Pair/Share)
  4. Snowballing
  5. Debate
  6. Fishbowl
  7. Horseshoe Method
  8. Discussion
  9. Role Play
  10. Presentations
  11. Polling Devices
  12. Case Studies
  13. Games

Gamification vs. Game-Based Learning

  • Gamification: Applying game-like elements to non-game contexts to enhance motivation
  • Game-Based Learning: Intrinsically game-like learning activities promoting engagement

Limitations of Gamification

  • Relies on extrinsic motivation
  • Focus may shift from meaningful learning to competition
  • Variability in student motivation based on performance

Effective Active Learning Strategies for Large Classes

  • Set learning objectives
  • Implement pre-readings and handouts
  • Incorporate think/pair/share techniques
  • Use clickers for real-time feedback and assessment

Fishbowl Activity Example Questions

  1. How can we combat climate change?
  2. Discuss your favorite movie or TV show and its impact.
  3. If you won the lottery, what would you do?
  4. Choose between saving money or spending for experiences - which is more valuable?

References

  • McKeachie WJ, Svinicki M. McKeachie's Teaching Tips, 12th ed.
  • Fink, L. Dee. Creating Significant Learning Experiences.
  • Kapp, K. (2013). The Gamification of Learning and Instruction Fieldbook.
  • Gleason et al. Active Learning Strategies Primer.
  • Miller JP, Seller W. Curriculum Perspectives and Practice.
  • Dunne D. Creative Techniques for Discussion Teaching.