RPL+Questions+28+-+29

// 28. Describe techniques used to evaluate the effectiveness of your facilitation and presentation skills //

// Reaction of student // I use feedback sheets to give the students an opportunity to give feedback about the unit and how the training was delivered. Not just did they learn but did they enjoy the learning experience is important.

From this I have the opportunity to make improvements to the course as part of continuous improvement.

// Learning // I ask my students question to test for understanding, this way I can see if they are absorbing the information I am giving them.

I do a lot of practical computer software classes, so I often will set them a small challenge, as part of a class activity, to gauge if they are able to do the expected tasks at that particular stage of the program.

When giving presentations to the class I make eye contact with them and look to see if they are paying attention, always a good sign of engagement.

I walk around the class constantly and observe the work the students are doing on their computers so I can see if they understand the work they are practicing, this gives me the opportunity to help them or guide them or even to offer little extra tips for those that are on target.

// Behaviour // I use projects as my assessment methods because these give the students the chance to demonstrate the change in their understanding and show how they performed industry tasks with in a realistic context. During a project the skills are demonstrated and number of times and give the students the opportunity for a holistic experience.

// Results // I analyse the results of assessment to see if the training has been effective and if the students are reaching the required standard for the industry task.

I use this information together with the feedback sheet to make changes as required.

// 29. Describe how you have monitored student learning and made adjustments to the deliver sessions to reflect specific needs and circumstances //

As I teach very practical hands on software classes, I can monitor their understanding by giving class exercises and observing if they are able to perform them.

If I observe that a student is having trouble with a section or concept I will assist the student but then look around the rest of the class to see if other students are having similar problems. If that is the case then I will give the students a demonstration of the task and usually present the information in a couple of ways, one by demonstration, two by talking to them followed by asking for questions. I get them to do the task, if after than they are still having problems, I will develop a specific handout for that issue and develop some supporting PowerPoint presentation for deliver in the next class.

As an example I found that a class was having a problem with understanding how to use text effectively in a web site. I developed a PowerPoint on typography. I keep a learning plan under the title of continuous improvement so I can update it as the semester progresses for use next time round, I have inserted typography as a topic for delivery for the future.