I think it's also important for me to realize that what is interesting or a good media source in my opinion may not be likewise be a good media source for all of my students. This is why variety is good.
Hi Linda:
You would know best. I think there is benefit in most any topic for discussion, exercises, student demonstrations, and instructor challenges. These are just a few among the many ways to get students engaged and participating.
Regards, Barry
Usually I try to select a media type that is conducive to my subject. Being a Computer Instructor the two methods I prefer are Powerpoint displays and actual hardware. Computer technicians benefit by being inside of a computer or actually rebuilding a machine.
Hi Caroline:
Good idea. I think this works especially well when student are following another form of media such as a PPT, textbook, handout, or discussion. The white board provides emphasis.
Regards, Barry
I write on the white board to let students know that this item is important and that they should pay attention.
Hi Pierre:
Yes, I agree. That art of seeing the student within and cultivating the raw talent residing and awaiting discovery is a very important attritibute good instructors should cultivate. We've missed the boat if we don't acknowledge, at least to some degree, it's importance. Great post!
Regards, Barry
Reading students is critical for an instructor to be successful at teaching. Reaching students out by establishing an emotional connection will result in effective training. Mastering the topic is smart knowledge. Selecting the right delivery methods and approaches is commun sense. Be a coach and have both of them.
What are your reasons for selecting a particular form of media for use in your classes?
Hi Leonard:
Your techniques to break up the longer class sessions makes sense. Using a variety of media and engaging the students in the learning process can be quite helpful reinforce and contribute to long term information retention.
Regards, Barry
In using different media to communicate information I always try to select something approriate to the subject at hand. Power Point is a excellent support tool for lecture, the ability to pull up maps, diagrams and images is a boon. Just yesterday in a baking class I pulled up pictures of elaborately finished pastries to the 'oohs and awes' of the class. I was able to connect the theory and practice of the lesson to the image of a beautifully presented dessert, hopefully, insipring the students to see the relevance of the information in the lecture.
I teach a 5 1/2hr class, the most challenging aspect of the class is keeping the class engaged. In breaking the class up into a variety of sections: lecture, demostration, practical - all the while using different media I hope to keep the students engaged and interested.
Hi Megan:
Well prepared PPT slides can be helpful if they're created properly. Yours probably are. I've seen many that are not and really do little to assit the students. Lab is great. Hands on teaches the repetitive manipulations that many pprofessions require.
Regrads, Barry
Hi Adrian:
Good. I think there are good and bad uses for PPT. From the information contained, to formatting, to delivery - all these factors can make (or break) a lesson presented by PPT.
Regards, Barry
Hi Jeffrey:
Great. Anyone who is simply lecturing is not going to get through to too many people. Your suggestions aregood ones.
Regards, Barry
Hi Donna:
I agree that if we think about our media choices from a students perspective we'll probably choose the more appropriate options to assist their learning.
Regards, Barry
Hi Megan:
Good. The use of a variety of media choices improves the retention of essential course material.
Regards, Barry
I think I agree with conveniance - but I do believe that we need to consider the topic we are presenting and well as the students.
A mix of media will capture their interest- but we do need to keep it organized and not over whelming.
A couple of reasons is to change the attentiveness for the students. Many get bored from the old style of lecturing to get the information across. The use of powerpoints, videos (ie. YouTube), movies, etc. are great ways for the students to understand the information at hand and to add a variety to the learning environment.
Using certain forms of media help to create a more interesting learning environment for the student. I like using powerpoint when I know a lecture is going to be information dense so that it helps to break it up. Using powerpoint to isolate key items helps for better student retention.
I use power point and hands on skill training. It keeps students involved and retaining more information.
I am an instructor at a culinary school, I can not emphasize enough how important it is to use media in the class room. It can be as easy as watching a video clip of a Food Network show from the previous night or within the past week. With all the different personalities that are in kitchens these days, it is easy to get a discussion group topic on the personalities that run the kitchens. I have taught the students that a lot can be learned from chefs that scream and yell to get their points made apposed from the chefs that take their time and talk about where the breakdown happened. You can learn from both instances, I explain. Never talk to anybody how you wouldn't want to be talked to yourself.
