Seminar IV Communications – II Writing Writing and Speaking

Seminar IV Communications – II Writing Writing and Speaking Ron Welch

Communication Skills: Writing

The Chalkboard “The inventor or introducer of the blackboard deserves to be ranked among the best contributors to learning and science, if not among the best benefactors of mankind.” Josiah Bumstead, 1841

Group Activity Why is the chalk/white board uniquely effective as a medium for classroom instruction? (top three reasons) • You have 3 minutes.

Why is the Chalk/White board Effective? • Self-Pacing. • Information remains visible and can be used later in the class. • Allows flexibility, spontaneity and non-linearity. • Can be used to develop students drawing skills. • No broken parts, doesn’t require power. • Can be used with the lights on.

But it’s only effective……if you have to know how to use it “The most important props in most classrooms are the blackboard and overhead projector. Though commonplace and easily taken for granted, both need to be used effectively.” Wankat & Oreovicz, Ch. 6

Ron, why are you using PowerPoint to teach people how to write with chalk/dry erase markers?

How to Write • Write BIG. • Write legibly. • Use consistent format and case. • Put space between words. • Write boldly. • Press hard on chalk. • Press the edge of chalk (should form a point). • ATTACK blackboard (should hear chalk).

Posture Is Important! • Shoulders facing blackboard • Hand directly in front of shoulder • Move your body as you write • Bend at knees when writing low

Separate Different Ideas By: • Spacing • Grouping • Underlining • Clouds • Color

Use several (five) colors of chalk: • to illustrate the hierarchy of ideas • according to a consistent scheme • to add visual “life” to material • to enhance clarity of drawings A Trademark!

Do not write... • Lengthy definitions/descriptions. • Anything unimportant. • Large amounts of prepositioned information (unless review material or handout material). Writing takes time. Time is a priceless asset.

Speaking & Writing “The biggest difficulty in using a white board is the loss of eye contact while writing on the board.” Wankat & Oreovicz, Ch. 6

Helpful Hints • Silent periods indicate possible problems. • Increase volume when writing on board. • Learn to write and talk at the same time. • Explain what you’re writing on the whiteboard.

Contact is the Key “Successful teachers maintain close contact with their students during class. This contact makes them aware and responsive to their customers’ needs.” Wankat & Oreovicz, Ch. 6

Helpful Hints • Silent periods indicate possible problems. • Increase volume when writing on board. • Learn to write and talk at the same time. • Explain what you’re writing on the blackboard. • Frequently look over your shoulder; frequently step back from board. • Leave the boards at every available opportunity. • Don’t simply transcribe notes onto whiteboard.

What if You Don’t have Chalk/White boards? • Get Chalk/White boards, or … • Apply these same techniques to other media. What about PowerPoint?

Check material to make sure you have 50 ksi Zx

Note the table’s assumptions fMnxCb = 1 = 274 ft -kips fMnxCb = 1 = 217 ft -kips fMnx Segment A Segment B and C

fMnxCb = 1 = 168 ft -kips Segment D

Communication Skills: Speaking and Writing Questions?

Are you ready to jam?!? Let’s do some whiteboard aerobics

Whiteboard Aerobics • Move to your team rooms. • Create board segment one (3 minutes).

References • Lowman, J., 1995, Mastering the Techniques of Teaching, 2nd ed., Jossey-Bass Publishers, San Francisco. • Wankat, P. and F. Oreovicz, 1993,Teaching Engineering, McGraw-Hill, Inc.

Seminar IV Communications – II Writing Writing and Speaking