The effectiveness of any training or course can often be related to how the way the message or content got relayed to the person or student. Teaching someone anything can be difficult, and it takes a certain type of person who understands how to communicate complex ideas in a way that resonates with different learning styles.
A class that has been effective for my learning style has been Physics211. This class includes plenty of class time and a lab, where examples and collaborating on problems are the focus, rather than constant lecturing. Being in an in-person class helps me pick up the information easier, as I can learn through making mistakes in class, allowing the teacher to implement their teaching techniques to help me and other students find the correct solution. The teacher has plenty of time to discuss individual problems with each table, making the class feel more personal and encourages students to participate.
A class that wasn’t effective for me was a construction design class I took last year. This class focused largely around AutoCAD, an intricate computer program I had never used before this class. The class was online, and with the use of a new software, I found myself falling behind quickly with many questions on how to use the software. Without having a place to easily ask questions, I was often confused with the material or assignments. Online classes can feel less personal to me, and it was easy to let assignments pass without fully understanding certain concepts.
Ultimately, a teacher’s style of teaching impacts a student’s understanding and view on if the course was effective or not. The effectiveness of a course can be tested when the teacher is challenged to help students comprehend the material at a deeper level.
