Question 1
While there are many methods of teaching that have gained popularity over the years, some instructors still prefer lecture and discussion. Are these effective methods of teaching? Why or why not.
According to Table 11.1 page 107 Teaching at its Best; lecture is most effective method for students to gain knowledge and discussion is best for comprehension. In order to increase the effectiveness of a lecture and/or discussion based class, enhancements such as active learning activities should be interspersed during the class meeting. Class activities to assist with students acquiring knowledge and comprehension, instructors should provide opportunities for students to connect prior knowledge to new knowledge. Memory strategies and activities should be demonstrated and encouraged: mnemonics, concept maps, paraphrasing, questions, and visuals; also encourage students to share their strategies.
Observing student in my classes, I have discovered student just out of high school need much more interactive and engaging learning activities otherwise outcome the cells phone. Nontraditional students, who have a few years in the real world also like active learning activities yet they also thrive in a lecture and discussion environment where they can share their experiences and associate prior knowledge to new information.
Question 2
Why should instructors consider the learning styles of themselves or their students? How could you utilize knowledge of that information to be a more effective teacher? To optimize learning and knowledge acquisition, instructors need to consider the learning styles of their students. If a student is primarily a kinesthetic learner; enhanced activities where students can be interactive and hands on. Several strategies for the kinesthetic which are highly recommended: highlighting, underling the text, writing notes, creating flash cards, constructing graphs creating models, graphs, timelines anything that a student can receive proprioceptive input. Students who are auditory learner thrive in an environment where they hear the information. Effective strategies: books on tape, recording lectures, asking questions, reciting information, reading aloud, talking with other students using music while reading and studying. A student who is a visual learner prefers to see information. The use of overheads, PowerPoints, chalkboard and white board to write key notes, color, charts, graphs, models, and reading are effective teacher aids as well as strategies student can self-create.
Everyone acquires information differently, for an instructor to truly be effective in the class room, classroom activities should be presented in such a way as to address several learning styles. Lecture combined with PowerPoints and creating concept maps will provide learning opportunities for the auditory, visual and kinesthetic learners in a single class.
Maybe the most important factor when creating a lesson based on learning styles is to assist the student with understanding how they prefer to learn (learning style) and how to optimize learning opportunities.

Question 3
Is using technology integral to teaching and student success? Be sure to substantiate your response.
Often when we think of technology in the classroom; we envision a computer, Proxima, PowerPoints, E-Clickers, kindles, I-Pads, email, Internet, email, social media and other computerized media. Technology can be classified as high and low. High tech are the electronic devices mentioned previously. Low tech consists of chalk, chalkboards, flip charts, markers, posters, handouts, dictionary and other print material or manipulatives.
The use of technology should be determined by the learning environment and the course objectives and goals. The following questions also need to be considered when designing a class or course with high technology. Is this the only way students can access information? Does the technology allow students to interact and manipulate the learning material? Do students have access to the technology away from school (internet, computers, etc.)? Will students benefit from the use of technology? Are we using technology because it’s the latest craze?
The use of low technology is tried and true. Chalkboards, flipcharts, paper & pencil are still essential in a classroom. The benefits of low tech: students can use their preferred way of learning (learning styles) to access and acquire information. The use of low technology can have a calming effect on the students and instructor. Where the use of high technology can create impatience when the technology does not respond as quickly as desired. The instructor can capitalize on “teachable moments”. During the teachable moments the instructor is free to implement strategies and opportunities for optimal learning. Where using high technology, the lesson is pre organized and opportunities are limited to spontaneously create teachable moments.
My belief is that the use of technology is integral to teaching and student success; however, it needs to be the right combination of high and low technology.
Question 4
Describe the classroom and learning environment created by an effective teacher.
The classroom and learning environment created by an effective teacher is a safe environment. A safe environment is one which allows students to feel comfortable, free from fear, nurtured, valued, and able to express themselves without fear of retribution. The learning environment should encourage and inspire students to ask questions, provide opportunities to practice learning concepts, how students are to be evaluated is clearly communicated, fair and balanced, opportunities to connect older knowledge to new learning, a variety of learning strategies are used (visual, auditory and hands on) and desired behaviors and learning is consistently demonstrated by the instructor.