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Teaching Tips for Student Success

Teaching in and attending large enrollment classes can sometimes be chaotic and stressful for all involved. We know that when students are engaged with their professor and each other, learning is much more likely to occur. This presentation explores practical ways to promote the creation of a learning community in large enrollment lecture courses. Topics include how to use the first day of class to establish a productive learning environment; practical and efficient ways to rethink educational activities; how to create activities that promote active learning inside and outside the classroom; and how to help students take ownership of their studies.

Mark Paternostro

Mark Paternostro

Professor, Associate Chair of Education

Dr. Mark Paternostro is a Teaching Professor in the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology at West Virginia University. He teaches physiology courses including undergraduate, graduate and professional courses for doctoral, pharmacy and medical students. He has expertise in various pedagogical techniques and is especially interested in creating engaging, interactive experiences for large group lectures. Dr. Paternostro is also involved in student assessment and helping students prepare for professional licensing examinations, including the USMLE Step 1. In addition to his teaching activities he also serves as his department’s associate chair for education.

Dr. Paternostro has been honored with numerous teaching awards at WVU including the WVU School of Medicine Distinguished Teacher Award in 2009, the Percival L. MacLachlan Basic Sciences Award selected by second year medical students in recognition of excellence in teaching basic medical sciences in 2012, the Vice President’s Award for outstanding achievement in teaching in 2016, the WVU Distinguished Teacher Award in the M.D. Degree, Senior-level category, 2021 and the WVU Foundation Outstanding Teaching Award 2021-2022.