Jordan Clayton

GTP Departmental workshop

10/23/02

Lecturing techniques (led by John O’Loughlin)

I. Organization:

A. intro’s

B. Sign-up sheet

C. subject ideas for future workshops?

II. Comments from John O (transcribed after workshop)

· as beginning TA/lecturer, was given very little mentoring/advice

· tried to cram in too much info

· never knew that had lost students until eval’s

· should give help in note-taking, e.g. putting notes on web. High percentage of students use them

· In large classes, spends less time soliciting questions- that’s the role of the recitations

· Powerpoint allows the instructor to face the class more, but may move too quickly

· fine line b/w entertainment (pandering) & giving information

· link b/w eval’s & exam difficulty

· rarely refers to text- that’s the role of the recitations

III. Step by step if presenting a lecture on Caspian Sea Oil?

· read as much as possible on the issue (e.g. Economist Magazine)

· obtain maps, graphics, powerful images

· try to be up to date

· intermix text & graphics slides

· allot ~ 7-8 hrs/lecture for the 1^st time teaching MAPS courses

· borrow former resources from former instructors

IV. Key points, re: lecturing techniques? (group discussion)

· organization (especially for Freshmen & TAs sake)

· helping students with note-taking

· try to relate to them, stay relaxed

· borrow former resources

· maintain separate roles of lecture v. recitation

· bring in current events

· build in flexibility to class requirements to compensate for student sicknesses/tragedies/other unexpected events

V. Q & A

VI. Workshop feedback/eval’s