Discussion 1

Selecting Teaching Methods
The Discussions in this course include several components. You may not be able to address all of these topics in a single post. You will need to plan to return to the Discussion several times during the week to weigh in on the topics. Please make sure you do so as part of both original posts as well as in replies to your classmates. Remember that your grade for the Discussion Board comprises both original postings and your contributions through replies. Both are great places to introduce new information, opinions, links, etc., and both are equally important to your grade.

Part of a good instructional plan is the delivery of instruction. Addressing adult learning theory and diverse metacognitive processes existing within the adult learning classroom may present challenges for the effective delivery of instruction. While all teaching methods and techniques are valuable, care must be taken to align teaching methods with teacher style, learners' needs, and the content to be presented (Galbraith, 2004). An effective adult educator will strive to develop a toolbox full of teaching methods that can be used to meet the needs of the diverse population of adult students.

Reference:

Galbraith, M. W. (2004). Adult Learning Methods: A Guide for Effective Instruction. Malabar, FL: Krieger Publishing Company.

In your first post, choose three teaching methods or techniques and define each method, explain how it is used and why it is appropriate for adult learners, and outline the advantages/disadvantages of using this method.

In your second post, you will apply your knowledge of teaching methods and techniques to the following scenario:

Consider Ms. Smith's required American history course discussed previously.

Henry is an award winning athlete who has always struggled with academics. He is a first-semester freshman who needs to remain in academic good standing.
Sally is a returning college student who wants to graduate from college now that all her children are grown. She wants to study to be a nurse.
John is a Veteran student who is attending college on Veteran Benefits for the first time. He has a wife and two children. John wants to be an engineer.
Ayi is a traditional-aged Japanese international student. She came from Japan to study business administration.
Matthew is studying computer information. He had a 504 plan in high school and is documented with the college's disability office as a student with a learning disability.
Susan is coming to college directly from high school, but is unsure about her major or future career goals.
John is attending college as a career-changer. He has worked his way up the ladder in his industry, but can't advance further without a degree