I sat in the front of today’s lecture with Katie. As you went through the lecture I had the Weiten book opened so I could note the page numbers that specific definitions are on. This is a tough topic, so I wanted to be prepared for extra questions that might come my way from the A-Pod (none so far).
The transisition into Operational Definition of love with the Valentines Day joke was very cool, “…if you don’t have any plans yet”.
The pulse example and information regarding pupil dilation worked perfectly in this lecture. It gave a fresh fun way to relate to the topic material.
I noted that you always go back to the “key point” and it keeps things in order and proves the point. Whenever you present a topic it is introduced, more or less scientifically defined, discussed or demonstrated (humor used along the way), and then packaged all together with ending of the “key point”.
The portion of the lecture that discussed the Direction of a Correlation study (negative or positive) was good because you challenged the students with great examples that they had to answer to (i.e. GPA & reading test scores). There was a positive scenario, a negative scenario, and a scenario with no correlation (which the student you called on answered correctly too!).
Two things I noticed as a TA sitting in front. #1, I should have the PowerPoint printed off and in front of me. #2, It is difficult to hear you speak when you are going up the stairs with your back to the front of the classroom (although Katie had no problem hearing you, so maybe it’s an age thing).
The small group activities have worked out better than I imagined they would with that size class. It is especially nice for the students that have to sit in the room for back-to-back classes.
After exchanging emails and through conversation regarding this group activity and the complexity of the topic, it would be beneficial for the TA’s to know the answers before hand and it would be good to have some advice as to how to answer student questions during activities, review session, and exams without giving the answer away. It’s tough and I know you must have some techniques you could share with us. We don’t want to mess up. Passionate TA’s on the G-Team!