Are there any junior college professors out there?

Question

I am a community college professor and would be interested to hear about your experiences in the classroom. Do you teach any compressed format classes and if so, how do you keep your students alert and involved for three to six hours at a stretch?

Answer 1

There is actually a fairly extensive literature in educational research on this topic. Go to the library at the teachers college and check it out.

I taught this format for years. It stinks. There is definitely less retention and comprehension for the students. On the other hand, it is the only practical way for many students to attend school.

Obviously you need to have a wide variety of activities... some lecture, some small group, some discussion, some thought problems, some drill, some videos, some audios, some physical activities.... mix and match, and be sure the students have some very specific things to do away from class that reinforce what they are going to do within the classroom.

And, always keep moving, keep smiling and keep questioning them. The time will fly by!