Teaching Tips

Twice a month, I will post short Teaching Tips written by faculty members from various universities. Please send me your own Teaching Tip for inclusion.

Ernie Linsay
Director, Faculty Development & Support
302-356-6728
ernest.c.linsay@wilmu.edu

September 16th, 2011: "The One Thing to Do..."

by David Durr
Murray State University

A few semesters ago I was asked to participate in a panel discussion that was targeted at new instructors. Specifically, the goal of the session was to provide new instructors with tools that they might employ in their classroom to enhance the learning experience for the students. The title of the session was "The One Thing I Do…" Experienced teachers on the panel were asked to describe one thing that they consistently do in all of their classes that they think make a difference.

As I tried to narrow the focus, I considered various examples that I could share. I thought about pedagogical approaches and tools. I knew that I could focus on how I bridge the gap between academic theories and real world applications of the concepts. I knew that I could talk about the use of technology to enhance learning. But I kept coming back to the same thing…that one thing…that I consistently do every semester and in virtually every class. It is quite simply really. I learn their names. I find out a little bit of "who they are."

The one thing that is uniquely ours is our name. Students appreciate being "more than a number." Throughout the semester I may find out the hometown of a student. I may ask another about their favorite baseball team. I may ask which teams they think will be in the Super Bowl. I may ask someone what they received for Christmas. In short, I send the message that I find them to be interesting and I appreciate the uniqueness that they add to the class.

I find that students become more engaged. They ask more questions. They make more comments. The communications in the classroom become less "one-sided." The interaction may easily extend beyond the classroom walls. Greeting a student by name at an athletic event, at the cafeteria, at the library, or off campus reinforces the interest and respect that you have for your students.

There were five teaching professionals on the panel. It was quite interesting to note that all of our messages that day centered on creating an atmosphere in which students are comfortable, encouraged, and un-intimidated. As simple as it sounds, we all agreed that one way to help accomplish our classroom goals is to take the time to learn our students' names.

Contributed by: David Durr Center for Teaching, Learning & Technology Murray State University Murray State, KY

Distributed by: Nancy Givens Faculty Center for Excellence in Teaching Western Kentucky University Bowling Green, KY