LEARNING STRATEGIES FOR UNDER-ACHIEVING ADULTS
IN TECHNICAL CLASSROOMS
You have permission to use these materials for educational purposes only as long as you credit the sources.
I. COURSE TITLE AND NUMBER
Learning Strategies for Under-Achieving Adults in Technical Classrooms
II. DESCRIPTION
This course presents information and encourages activities designed to improve the performance and skill acquisition of students, particularly those with learning disabilities, in technical courses.
III. INSTRUCTOR/FACILITATOR
Name: Leecy Wise
Email: 4cvrc@swadulted.com
Phone: 970-565-1552
Fax:
970-565-6388
Course website: http://www.swadulted.com/workshops/votech/techintro.htm
IV. OBJECTIVES
This course prepares you, the technical instructor, to:
A. Apply strategies in the classroom that encourage the participation and performance of students
B. Design out-of-class activities that promote a seamless learning environment for the student
C. Work as a team with your colleagues in a variety of other fields to help students integrate their newly acquired skills in broader areas of their lives
V. SCHEDULE AND LENGTH
This class will meet for five hours a week for six weeks, for a total of 30 contact hours.
VI. MATERIALS AND RESOURCES
You may download information and activities for this course one week prior to each day of class.
Additional resources will also be available on-line to help you access information and activities directly related to your instructional needs.
VII. ENVIRONMENT
The class environment for this course is expected to be informal and interactive. You are encouraged to bring anecdotal information from your classes and to work as a team with the facilitator and your colleagues during and in-between class.
VIII. EXPECTATIONS, EVALUATION AND ASSESSMENT
You are asked to come to each class prepared to discuss the reinforcement activities you will practice and your assessment of the usefulness of the activities in your own field.
As the sessions progress, you will accumulate a
portfolio of activities relevant to your own field. That portfolio will become
part of your institution’s resources and available to teachers in similar instructional
areas.
Your final grade (A – F) will be based on the following aspects:
10% for Attendance
20% for Participation
70% for Portfolio
You will also be asked to complete a pre-and post self-assessment and an evaluation of the course and its ability to meet your needs.
PROPOSED WEEKLY SCHEDULE
|
WEEK |
TOPIC |
|
1 |
Characteristics of the adult vocational-technical student The traditional and non-traditional student The limited English/minority-culture student Characteristics of instructors/employers Characteristics of the learning/working environment The Direct Method and other instructional strategies for under-achieving adults |
|
2 |
Navigating the textbook (Bring your most basic text) Lay-out Exercises and quizzes Sections, topics, and sub-topics Main ideas and details The Language of Technical texts Strategies for connecting the student to the book |
|
3 -4 |
Using the Internet (Meet in Lab) Surfing Strategies Assigning relevant and fun fieldwork Creating email communication, on-line teamwork, and managing on-line assignments Working with sites in your own field |
|
5 |
Integrating academic and life skills in the classroom SCANS objectives (Secretary’s Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills) |
|
6 |
Developing networks around the student Review individual course objectives to reflect life competencies Discuss and compare portfolio |