In the evolving landscape of education, the quest for innovative teaching methodologies has never been more critical. Yasamin Alami, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Quantitative Studies at University Canada West, is at the forefront of this transformative journey in teaching Accounting. Yasmin’s story is one of adaptation, reflection, and success in leveraging technology to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes.
Yasamin embarked on her teaching career in 2021. Initially facing the challenges of small class sizes and a diverse international student body, she recognized the necessity of a more inclusive and adaptable teaching style. Employing a variety of resources, from Excel workbooks to videos and PowerPoint presentations, Yasamin ensured that her students had access to information in a manner best suited to their learning preferences.
The onset of the Covid-19 pandemic served as a significant catalyst for Yasamin. The transition to fully online teaching revealed the limitations of traditional methods in maintaining student engagement and understanding. This challenge prompted Yasamin to explore innovative solutions, including Mentimeter, which the Centre for Teaching Excellence at UCW had identified and promoted through conducting training sessions and by granting faculty access to an institutional Mentimeter Pro account. The platform became a game-changer, enabling her to create a more interactive and responsive educational environment. Also, by transitioning to a flipped classroom model, she ensured that students could engage with the material at their own pace before deepening their understanding through class discussions.
Yasamin uses Mentimeter to gather feedback, initiate discussions, and create a supportive learning community. Starting classes with Mentimeter questions and incorporating quiz competitions have transformed the classroom atmosphere, fostering a sense of camaraderie and mutual respect among students.
Yasamin places immense value on student feedback, viewing it as the bedrock for current and future course improvements. "The current course is a product of feedback from other students," she often reminds her classes, emphasizing the role of student voice in shaping the educational journey.
Her practice currently revolves around three significant reflection milestones, each designed to deepen understanding, foster personal connections, and reflect on progress:
For educators considering incorporating Mentimeter or similar technologies into their teaching, Yasamin offers sage advice: be open to adaptation, embrace feedback, and recognize that perfection may not be achieved on the first attempt. Her experience underscores that tools like Mentimeter are not just about technological integration but about creating a learning environment where every student feels valued and engaged.