The military has a similar philosophy- see it, do it then teach it. The learning curve really skyrockets when they have to teach someone else for first time.
Joshua,
Great point. The instructor is the facilitator, while media are mere tools and resources that support the facilitator. And while important and helpful, instructors should be focused on the job to be completed, not the tools taht assist getting it done.
Barry Westling
It’s a known fact that the more senses you can engage information retention goes up. I studied as a multimedia designer for years. This is a cornerstone for the field. In a classroom I try and incorporate as much sensory input as I can through: drawings charts props slides and audio/video where appropriate. I teach technology so for me there is plenty of material readymade and if not I can create my own. My number one strategy is DON’T rely on it. You have to remember that you are the teacher not the projector! Whenever you are presenting information you need to be the focus your media (usually) should be the backdrop. There are of course exceptions to the rule e.g. a movie/video but normally you need to stay at the center of their attention.
Staci,
Certain professions are more apt to use some senses more, as proficiency and skill development are dependent on successful performance attainment. Touch is an essential sense in many health and medical related professions. It's amazing what can be taught, practiced and perfected with careful guidance and practice.Blindfolding sounds like a great way to develop select skills.
Barry Westling
Karen,
Yes, there are many ways to encourage students to use all of their senses in the learning process. More senses lead to better retention of information, and better student learning outcomes. Listening for tempo, emphasis, and cadence, watching what the instructor focuses on (body language and cues), enjoying a mint while reading (associating something pleasurable with study), and periodic deep breathing to refresh and reset the the brain for extended learning sessions. Some use of senses are simple, but all contribute to better results.
Barry Westling
In my field my students need to really use their senses. They need to learn to palpate muscles and find different insertion points and figure out which way the muscles stretch. So to help with this we sometimes use blindfolds or have them close their eyes so they really concentrate on the body.
I have learnt that teaching students to use common sense has helped and that while they are learning that not only learn using their hearing but also with their eyes by focusing on what is being written and on the white board and how other students are responding.
Kimberlee,
Many professions, especially medical, require the development of the sense of touch as a requisite skill. Of course senses improve retention of information, but touch can be an integral consideration in determining the successfulness of a students performance, in some programs.
Barry Westling
Fidel,
Senses used in classes increases retention of needed information, and usually results in more interesting classes.
Barry Westling
In the field of Dental Hygiene, the tactile sense of touch is very important. The students learn to feel the irregularities of the teeth with their instruments. During the intraoral exam, they may palpate nodules. They may feel and hear crepitis (cracking) of the Temporal Mandibular Joint. They can also see abnormalities in the oral structure.
This takes time to develop through training (repetition) and instruction (critical thinking).
Being that I am in a field were we have a lot of "hands-on" I will have my students use four senses 1. Sight 2. Hear 3. Touch 4. Smell. First I will let the students see what is the task that is going to accomplish. By giving them a picture or seeing a video of the task also, I will let them know at that time where this task is going to be taking place. Second I will use their sense of hearing because I will tell them at loud in class what is expected/guidelines of their assignment. Third they will get to touch by having "hands-on" practice of their assign task. While they are practicing their hands on they will also get to smell (fourth) many of the products that they will use throughout their assignment.
For instance, I am a cosmetology instructor, The assignment I will give to my students where they will use all of this four senses is that they have just being hired to work at wedding. They will have to create up dos for the brides and bride-maids. However, this wedding has a particular request. This will be a vintage wedding, and its theme is based on the 1960's. The decoration, dress and even the music will all reflect that era. The up dos they will do have to be all in harmonious, and we have 5 days before the wedding. Now we have to research, practice and deliver styles of that era.
By researching pictures and videos the students will use their sense of sight.
By listening to instructions they will they will use their Hearing sense. Also, by researching the music of the era.
By practicing they styles they will get to use their sense of touch. And at the same time the sense of smell because they will have to use the products need it to create the style.
Alana,
Great example for illustration. Tactile sense can be especially beneficial as when stimulated brings a unique learning to the student (as do the other senses).
Barry Westling
Christine,
Yes, each class is sort it's own breed of cat, and our approach to reaching these students will need to vary to meet that need. More variety (with senses) is a great place to start.
Barry Westling
Davina,
I believe discussion is among the better all around activities for reasons you state, and also for developing independent thought along with critical thinking opportunities.
Barry Westling
Dan,
Reliance on multiple inputs (senses) can only help recall and application. We can be creative and think about ways to involve more senses in our learning.
Barry Westling
Anthony,
Medical courses are great for sensory involvement. When we use the senses, we remember better, and longer.
Barry Westling
Kim,
Nice axiom. Seems like it'd work too. Some students probably will need need more than one experience of this cycle, but that's OK i they learn the material.
Barry Westling
Kristin,
Some professions have more natural reliance on senses. I think all learning can be enhanced by introducing more senses into the learning process. Touch is a great, underrated sense we all could probably develop a bit more.
Barry Westling
Being an instructor in the Medical Lab field, I find it very important that the students use as much of their senses in learning and developing their problem solving skills. In my classroom instruction, I find it helpful that as I am instructing on a certain procedure, I will discuss certain lab principles with powerpoint (sight and hearing) then demonstrate the procedure (sight). After I have completed my demonstration, then I move into the students performing the procedure themselves. Once they are done, they are instructed to write their experiences in a lab journal. They are to document the procedural instructions, results and errors that occurred. As they are recording their results, I stress to the students that they should exercise using their senses of sight, hearing, smell, and touch. This is the basis for being a lab investigator (technician).
I believe that you have to find what appeals to each class. Some learn more from doing, some learn from watching. It all depends on each class
