Job Discussion Forums

[schminken]

I think I have finally run out of ideas.

Ok, it's not that bad but I need some new inspiration.

As many of you know, I teach engineering students and I have day classes(full time students that are younger) and night classes (older working students). The day classes are no problem. The students are quite motivated and the class period lasts 1 and a half hours. The night classes are killing me though. The level is extremely mixed and the people who are good are really good. To the point of annoyance really. And the people who are weak are really weak. I cannot split them up and a night class lasts 3 hours with a 20 minute break. There are only 10 classes per semester. So i could see them 1 week and it could be a month before I see them again. In all their technical subjects, there is little or no homework. You go to the class lecture, do in class lab exercises and just take a big written exam at the end. I don't give them much homework either because their work schedules don't allow for it. The biggest problem of all this is what do I do that is worth anything and how do I give a mark for that.


One group in particular really has me thinking hard. They are a small group of 8 students which has the potential for lots of good stuff. However, they are not very motivated and usually the most tired after a long day at work. 2 of the class members are the kings of sarcasm and the rest don't even want to talk about anything! We have anaylzed texts, done grammar, talked about technical writing and presentations, done a technical project in cooperation with another professor, CVs and covering letters, meeting and negotiations.You name it, I've tried it and I'm just burned out even trying anymore. Like I said, no problem with the day class. I don't even do the same things with the night classes because it just wouldn't work. They are older and have more work experience. They don't like playing games or doing gap exercises but I don't feel like lecturing for 3 hours on something either. I think there needs to be some kind of student center learning going on.

So what do you do? Especially for loooong classes. I need some inspiration quick! BTW, there are no books. I make all my own materials and it's up to me what topics I cover.

Thank you for reading this. Am I the only one who has this "problem". It's not really a problem, it's more like a big challenge.

[Chris]

Hey Schminken,

I just finished my 3 hour evening class with mostly engineers (I work at a global tech firm). For me, it's every week, 3 levels (thank God for 3 different levels and groups) Tues-Thurs. I'm as tired at the end of the day as my guys. (I work full time at this company and start at 8am and don't leave until after 8pm).

ANYWAYS!!

I'll PM you with my suggestion in detail... But it involves gathering lists of words that are pertinent to their jobs and playing a game with it..


I hope it helps!