Path: utzoo!mnetor!uunet!ndsuvax!ncmagel
From: ncmagel@ndsuvax.UUCP (ken magel)
Newsgroups: comp.edu
Subject: teaching methods
Message-ID: <651@ndsuvax.UUCP>
Date: 27 Jan 88 22:07:49 GMT
Organization: North Dakota State University  Fargo, ND
Lines: 18


    I have followed the messages concerning different teaching styles and 
how Professors should teach students with a great deal of interest.  I am
struck by the fact that nearly all the previous writers ask for a 
participatory style in which the instructor seeks out class participation.
I think that one factor which has not been considered is that a single 
teaching style is not appropriate to all situations even at the college 
level.  For example, I would contend that each of the following situations
requires a distinctly different teaching style:
  1.  introductory programming class with many nonmajors
  2.  project-based course with small groups working on independent projects
  3.  Introduction to computer science for majors
  4.  Computer Literacy ( whatever that is!)
  5.  large class of hundreds with few graders or tutors
  6.  class of fifteen or so or less
     There are other situations as well of course.  My point is that 
sometimes the teacher must emphasize motivation, sometimes individual questions,
sometimes illustration of concepts, and sometimes delivery of specific skills.