TEACHING AT DREAMS
Several of the Dreamers went on outings to investigate classes in SL this month following complaints by some of the people who are avid class-goers. A formal educational program has been a goal of Dreams since the onset but has somehow always gotten pushed aside. We do a lot of one-on-one and incidental teaching, but nothing very formal. The time has come to put this into motion.
We have had several informal meetings and considerable interest has been expressed so this is an area we are wishing to tackle in the immediate future. Soj has a packet of teaching materials regarding what we expect in our teachers and things that will help you along if you wish to apply for Instructor or reimbursement with the Lindens.
Several of the issues that we have approached include (in no particular order):
1. Learning styles are different and teachers usually teach using the style that
matches their learning style.
Dreams teachers need to be aware of each style and be able to vary their
techniques to meet the needs of ALL students.
2. Teachers need support, especially when beginning.
We will have a mailbox system for questions along particular learning interests
and are setting up a webpage to assist each other in learning and teaching.
Soj is also setting up teaching aids like a slide presentation. Happy Dimsum is
also working on a blackboard presentation.
New teachers and classes will be "shadowed" at first. Dreams members will be
participating in the classes so that they can give assistance and feedback so
that the teacher doesn't have to wonder about what is effective or how to
create a better learning environment. In addition, it will help if the class size is
too big in numbers or diversity.
3. Often classes are too narrow in their scope.
One of the basic tenants of the Dreams classes will be that the skills learned
there will be generalizable. Several techniques for a single result should be
noted.
4. The teacher should be knowledgable enough about his/her topic area
to be able to answer questions about several aspects of the project, not just
the action in progress.
If you don't know the answer, admit it.. ask if someone else has the answer (just
because someone is in the group, it doesn't mean they are a complete
beginner)..or seek an answer from someone else on the teaching team. You
can also always offer to get back to the person in IM with an answer later (just
don't forget to do that).
5. Dreams will be a broad-spectrum provider of educational activities.
This will include classes, discussions, competitions, activities and more. It's up
to your imagination.
As time progresses, these points will refine and I am sure more will be added. For now, though, we are asking for feedback and are in the process of recruiting.
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO TEACH AT DREAMS, send a notecard to The Sojourner with your intended course interest, your name (of course), whether you need help getting Linden approval, and your experience. She'll get you set up. All classes, etc., need to go through her at this point for scheduling purposes.
