Here’s a strategy that helps students look at more than the grade when an exam is returned. An exam wrapper (I like the name) is a handout attached to the exam that students complete as part of the exam debrief process. The wrapper directs students “to review and analyze their performance (and the instructor’s feedback) [...]
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Teaching for Transformative Learning
Posted Friday, July 23rd, 2010 by Maryellen WeimerPicking up where we left off on the previous post, so how do teachers intentionally teach for transformative learning? And how do they do that, given the fact that a teacher cannot make (as in require or force) students have a learning experience that changes what they believe, how they think, or how they act? [...]
Transformative Learning
Posted Wednesday, July 21st, 2010 by Maryellen WeimerI’m immersed in writing one of 34 chapters commissioned for a handbook on transformative learning. My chapter explores the relationship between learner-centered teaching and transformative learning. I am convinced the two are related, but I’ve never spent time trying to sort out the nature of that relationship. It’s a good project—I’m learning a lot, although I seem to be uncovering more questions than answers.
Teaching—More than a Set of Skills
Posted Thursday, July 15th, 2010 by Maryellen WeimerRonald J. Markert captures the “more” in a set of principles. The context is medical education, but the principles he proposes are broadly applicable. Here’s a sample.
A good teacher wants to be a good teacher—“Teaching has to be its own reward.” (p. 809) Reward and recognition are fine, but they cannot provide the motivation necessary [...]
Learning can be Frustrating
Posted Tuesday, July 13th, 2010 by Maryellen WeimerIt’s good to remember how frustrating learning can be. It’s even better when you experience the frustration firsthand.
Let’s Take a Break
Posted Thursday, July 8th, 2010 by Maryellen Weimer
How about a regularly scheduled two-to three-minute break in the middle of class? John A. Olmsted III recommends it for the following reasons: 1) it provides a change of pace and lets students recharge tired brains; 2) it can be used to get students involved with the content; and 3) it can be designed to [...]
Unlearning
Posted Thursday, July 1st, 2010 by Maryellen WeimerThe capacity to learn and to use what we’ve learned is one of those things that makes life worth living. When the mind delivers what we need or helps us understand something new, we take it for granted, unable to imagine its absence. Like so much else in life, learning is a gift to be used and enjoyed. But it is also one of those gifts that sometimes wears out.
Students and Syllabus Development
Posted Tuesday, June 29th, 2010 by Maryellen WeimerIf you want to involve students in the syllabus creation process, the best way to do that is deliberately with a concrete activity. Here are three articles that suggest specific ways students can be involved in developing aspects of the course that should appear on the syllabus.
The World of Pedagogical Knowledge
Posted Tuesday, June 22nd, 2010 by Maryellen WeimerA number of our professional associations (most often in the large disciplines) have separate organizations or subgroups within the association that are focused on teaching and learning. Does your field have such an organization? If so, I would encourage you to consider attending events hosted by the group. There is such energy generated when folks who care about teaching convene to explore issues and share ideas.