Wondering how to start each class off right? This article, “Small Changes in Teaching: The First 5 Minutes of Class,” from the Chronicle makes a compelling argument that the first five minutes of class really matter and gives some suggestions for what you can do.
This article from Scientific American, “A Learning Secret: Don’t Take Notes with a Laptop,” suggests that taking notes by hand results in better understanding and retention of information. The thinking and organizing required when students take their own notes by hand help them remember. Not to mention, it’s hard to surf the Internet from a notebook!
Finally, for all you procrastinators out there–the explanation you’ve been waiting for! You’re not procrastinating; you’re thinking. See this article from The New York Times: “Why I Taught Myself to Procrastinate.”
I used the hints in the “First 5 Minutes of Class” this week. I usually use the first 5 minutes to outline the day’s objectives (it is the engineer in me – I like to know exactly where I am going). But, I think that may be getting stale, so I tried the changes suggested. I think they have merit and I will sprinkle some in throughout the semester.