An Introduction Session on Sessional Teaching The Mathematics Discipline Swinburne University of Technology.

Outline Welcome (Head of mathematics) Tips and guidelines for effective teaching Technical information for sessional staff Open discussion Juice, muffins and a good laugh

Welcome (Head of mathematics)

Tips and guidelines for effective teaching Some questions: What does it mean to be a good teacher? What are your goals as a teacher? How would you like to be perceived? What “gifts” are you giving your students? Will the material “sink in”? Will you be remembered? Positively?

Tips and guidelines for effective teaching Be “a person” (a nice one): Laugh, smile, joke (if you can) Be yourself, feel good about yourself Be courteous, answer when asked, patient… Good teachers: CARE!!! Know when to put your foot down (if needed) Everyone stresses before class (it is healthy)

Tips and guidelines for effective teaching Be “a professional” (a serious one): If you teach #&*, then you should Learn before hand! Enjoy it! When asked “why?”, never say “just because”… (i.e. know the proof/derivation/idea behind …) For researchers: A good way of learning is teaching!

Tips and guidelines for effective teaching Serve the food on the table like a professional waiter, but don’t chew it for the students… Speak to be understood: – Tone / accent / pronunciation Write neatly and clearly as you can Always put yourself in the student’s position, “would you understand”??? Do not “chew” for the student, let her/him think a-bit too, passive students don’t learn!

Tips and guidelines for effective teaching You are part of a system! The subject: Lecturer(s), Convenor “Loyalty” Be prepared for student queries… Mark as your colleagues (convenor specification) Coordinate with convenor

CARE! In Summary: