Teaching Methodology
Knowledge is Power. Without knowledge the life objective is hardly met. In order to get the knowledge delivered efficiently, the effectiveness of the lecture given plays a very important role. As a result of this strong awareness, I have taken a few steps and instil a deep interest in this teaching profession and learning process, so that the student can feel the importance of knowledge.
There are a lot of ways in delivering the knowledge itself and some of it is as listed below:
1. Making things Simple and Easy to understand.
· Use the simple and understandable language.
· Precise in giving examples
· Break complicated subject into sub-topics that are easily understood.
2. Give the Overall Picture before going to individual details of the subject.
· Access student’s understandings in the process of explanation and after explanation
completed.
· Allows discussion among student to share their understandings.
· Conduct group presentation for tough topics to encourage teamwork and sharing of information.
3. Ensure that student can relate between theory and practical by applying the below methods:
· Bring actual material into the class or laboratory.
· Conduct experiment to verify the theory.
· Conduct educational site visit to factory or related field to see the actual/practical implementation.
4. Maintain good relation between student and lecturer.
· To create friendly environment among lecturer and student
· To practice the open door policy
· To encourage a small close group discussion in class
Teaching and learning processes involve the direct interaction of the two parties, the person who delivers and the person who receives. There are many effective teaching methods available for our reference today. However, in order to ensure a high level of teaching and learning experience, one must always be alert to the reactions and reactions of the learners during the teaching and learning process. Therefore, flexibility in teaching methods is crucial in order to improve teaching and learning experience both inside and outside the classroom. Since each individual is different and unique, different student groups will have different expectations of knowledge delivery methods.
I always try different approaches to getting to know my students better in my section in order to find the most efficient way to deliver my lecture. I always incorporate a variety of classroom activities that ensure a better understanding of theoretical knowledge. I've proactively created hands-on and discussion-based lecture sessions on assignment topics that trigger student thinking skills. This not only promotes technical or engineering learning, but also teaches them teamwork, task coordination and leadership that promotes lifelong learning.
Active Learning, Cooperative Learning and Problem Based Learning (PBL)
One of my teaching methodologies includes problem-based learning (PBL) that requires active and collaborative learning for my final year students. Students were given a course-related problem or relevant industrial problems, and they were asked to solve problems through role-playing. The students were randomly divided into small groups in order to train them to work with different members. This gives them the experience to work with different partners that are relevant to a real working life. Different engineering problems were presented to each group, and students were required to carry out research on specific topics. PBL and cooperative learning can contribute to lifelong learning skills, teamwork and communication skills. Interaction opportunities are created during the problem-solving process, knowledge construction and group-planning are initiated. PBL teaching methodology has enhanced traditional teaching approaches to have more freedom and trained students to think creatively about solving problems in the future. PBL and cooperative learning are creating a new learning platform to prepare students for a real working environment in an industrial company. Appendix C shows the example of the activity in final year PBL lab.
Hands-on Activity
For the 2nd year undergraduate courses, I often introduce small classroom activities and projects that can provide a better understanding of the knowledge they have learned from books. One of the activities that I implement in Electronics Instrumentation and Measurement subject is I provide students with the electronic components they have learned in the syllabus and guide them to construct a simple circuit with a specific function. Subsequently, students are given the flexibility to modify the circuit and design their final product according to the project specifications. In addition, I have also designed laboratory activities for instrumentation courses that allow students to have hands-on experience in electrical measurements related to the syllabus taught in the class.
In addition, I also include the experience of student development of Virtual Instruments software by the use of the LabView tool. After the activities, I found that students appreciate and focus more during the lecture and have more initiative to engage in circuit design and development activities. The example of the activity is shown in Appendix D.
Methods of assessment
Evaluation is important during the teaching and learning process. Apart from direct measurement methods using written tests and examinations to evaluate student understanding, I will prepare for all assignments and projects headings that can provide clear assessment criteria for students. I always ensure fairness in my assessment process and encourage students to seek clarification on their grading.
Academic Advisory
I always encourage communication between students and lecturers. I have used platforms such as e-learning, e-mail and social networks such as the Facebook Group and the Whatsapp Group to encourage communication and sharing of academic-related information. The lecturer should be observant during classes; more attention should be paid to students who are weak in the course. I always find that talking to students helps motivate students to study. As a lecturer, I always ensure that I am approachable and that I always treat students with respect, so that students feel comfortable sharing their ideas and problems. When students communicate, the mentoring process is easier and more effective.