Back to School: Engaging Our Students
Well, classes are now back in session and of course my life is slowly becoming hectic once again! Every semester, I try to figure out the best strategy to engage my chemistry students. This is a real challenge for all educators, but I do try to use humor when appropriate.
Recently, I gave a lecture focusing on atomic orbitals and I informed my students that I really like to ‘think of orbitals merely as a place where electrons like to hang out, just as I like to hang out at DSW because I like shoes.’ Immediately after I say this, the students (especially the young ladies) in my class began smiling and giggling. Ok, with this analogy, we can think of DSW as an orbital and myself as an electron, but that is not the point. The goal was to get their attention, so they will focus on the important stuff.
Developing effective teaching strategies is not easy. It takes time, patience, and a lot of hard work. You also must keep in mind that every class is different. What worked for one class may not necessarily work for another. Honestly, if you want to be more effective in the classroom, you need access to resources (e.g. websites, journal articles) and several mentors to help you achieve your goals. For example, if you are one of several instructors teaching a course, ask one of your colleagues if you can visit his or her classroom to gain some tips on teaching. This can be very helpful to you as you establish your own presence in the classroom. You can also attend workshops and seminars at conferences that focus on effective teaching strategies. Moreover, many educators are finding ways to incorporate technology in the classroom. Now, I admit, I am old school. Yes, I do love chalk and the blackboard! My point is to just find something that works for you!
Recently, I gave a lecture focusing on atomic orbitals and I informed my students that I really like to ‘think of orbitals merely as a place where electrons like to hang out, just as I like to hang out at DSW because I like shoes.’ Immediately after I say this, the students (especially the young ladies) in my class began smiling and giggling. Ok, with this analogy, we can think of DSW as an orbital and myself as an electron, but that is not the point. The goal was to get their attention, so they will focus on the important stuff.
Developing effective teaching strategies is not easy. It takes time, patience, and a lot of hard work. You also must keep in mind that every class is different. What worked for one class may not necessarily work for another. Honestly, if you want to be more effective in the classroom, you need access to resources (e.g. websites, journal articles) and several mentors to help you achieve your goals. For example, if you are one of several instructors teaching a course, ask one of your colleagues if you can visit his or her classroom to gain some tips on teaching. This can be very helpful to you as you establish your own presence in the classroom. You can also attend workshops and seminars at conferences that focus on effective teaching strategies. Moreover, many educators are finding ways to incorporate technology in the classroom. Now, I admit, I am old school. Yes, I do love chalk and the blackboard! My point is to just find something that works for you!
PowerPoints lectures with lots of pictures as well as words. I use examples with step by step (each slide advancing towards the solution)to show how to solve problems. Gets the "AHA!"
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