Useful Teaching Techniques
- The best way to get through those first few classes is also one of the
most effective ways of teaching discussion sections -- small groups. Not only
does it take the spotlight, and some of the pressure, off of the teacher,
it also greatly facilitates participation and learning on the part of the
students. They also feel much less pressure in this situation.
I usually type up a small group exercise and give one to each group so that they have specific directions and goals to meet during each class; this works very well for keeping them on task. Then I float around to the different groups and answer questions, ask questions, check progress, help with difficulties, etc. Then I reconvene the large group and go over everything together, clarifying any problem areas.
The students' responses to this learning scenario has been extremely favorable. They love the relaxed feel of the small groups; and because they are at ease, they perform so much better in class. In fact, one of my students last term evaluated my class as the best discussion section she has ever taken at the U of O.
Address questions or comments about
TEP or this site to:
Georgeanne Cooper, Program Director,
64 PLC
Phone: 541-346-2177 Fax: 541-346-2184
© Copyright 2000-2006 Teaching Effectiveness Program, University of Oregon.
Last Modified:
05/22/08
