In responseto Mr. Nelsons question, I believe bringing the two togeather can be very benificial. The less experienced individuals can have a real live example of what they are learning about helping them. In addition the more experienced students are forced to expand their capabilities in bringing others with them in thinking above and beyond what is learned in class. Overall the two may be at the opposite ends of the spectrum but if put togeather properly, will help the other in learning.
Hi Steve:
Yes, and having a collection of resources available should your planned lesson goes astray, you'll be ready, avoiding the waste of yous and the the students time.
Regards, Barry
Having students that are already working in the field can be a source of validation to the other students. In addition, more information regarding the subject matter can be obtained that would add to the class discussions.
I would match the experienced students with the ones with less exposure and have them accomplish the required tasks. If this is managed well, it can be a winning combination for both students.
Involvement is a very important. Having a plan B is a great way to help keep everyone involved in what is going on.
Hi Jason:
Your reasoning is sound and the techniques you describe quite helpful, especially when you have a variety of student learning profiles and lots of information to cover in a relatively short time. Students usually don't mind getting assistance from their peers. As you say, it is a valuable learning experience for all involved.
Regards, Barry
This is a great opportunity for the class to work together. Too often we as the instructors, try to take care of everything on our own. That tends to spread us a little thin, so I use this as an opportunity for those who are strong to work with those that need help. This really helps to reinforce what the strong student knows, it will help the weaker student learn, and it helps to build team unity. The students learn that it is ok to work together and that they do not all have to "know it all". In the field they will need to rely on other techs from time to time, so I see this as a valuable learning. It will also help tidentify areas that the stronger students need help in, easier than if I had to evaluate all of them individually.
Hi Dean:
I think it's agreed that interest and learning will be enhanced with a balanced approach of lesson then lab (hands on). Immediate application will contribute to better student retention of learning.
Regards, Barry
Hi Jeff:
Your personalized approach to your students and their backgrounds will surely pay off in students who will listen to what you have to say and as a result, perform better in class.
Regards, Barry
As posted students do help each other, often subject matter may be explained in a manner easier for the students to understand. I try to mix up the class with the course material and hands on. This way information overload is reduced, that can also lead to boredom when the information is not always exciting for the students to start with.
Part of my day 1 procedures is to find out what kind of background each has and I make notes on my seating chart.
During the course I will direct comments and/or questions to the more experienced students about related situations they may have experienced and expand on them.
This can lead to learning experiences for both types of students using situations the experienced students can relate to while showing the others how what we are learning will apply in the field without just having to take my word for it.
It often can provide new material for me to use in future classes as well.
Hi Kenneth:
Great. Relating to your students at all levels of experience will help the stronger and weaker students alike. I think students will appreciate your assistance you give as well - earning additional respect.
Regards, Barry
This happens in most of our class you have students that have a lot of experience in the field and some that have no experience I try to use the students that have experience to help the students that have little experience, in class I try to give good basic knowledge to the student that is just starting and some advanced information to the experience student
Hi Dennis:
Your applying a very helpful technique that works and is successful on many levels. It helps out the instructor. It gives some sense of pride and accomplishment to the more advanced student. And obviously, the weaker student benefits by getting some peer assistance that tends to be non-threatening. Good job!
Regards, Barry
This can be a very difficult task but with the diversity of students. I have simply founf that If I am experiencing some that are overwhelmed and some that are under challenged. I will ask the underworked students to assist the overworked students. This " Kills two birds with one stone" When I am new to a course It will take a couple of classes, before I am perceptive enough to apply this. When it is implemented I have a very good success rate with it.
Hi John:
Mixing up up student discussion with points you want to cover is a good model to follow for many (but not all) subjects. Engaging students in the instructional process will always yield better results.
Regards, Barry
Hi Rich:
Stronger students can add a lot as teacher assistants or just helping their peers learn more difficult assignments. Your example sort of makes the point.
Regards, Barry
This can be a very taxing issue since I will only have the students for only a short time. I will use more advanced students to help the others that may be struggling with projects. When asking questions to students I will call on the more advance student for there input and use this as a combo answer.
Using students that have a grip on the material or some prior hands on experience teamed with students that are "clueless" is the approach that works best in my opinion. Using the prior work or military experience student builds confidence and improved attitude in the less or no experience students. I ask the more knowledgeable student if he/she would be willing to take the lesser under his/her wing for this lab learning experience.
Hi James:
Good stuednt peer mentoring or tutorials are a terrific adjunct toi the traditional learning model. You're right that weaker students will benefit from the expertise and knowledge provided by the stronger students.
Regrads, Barry
Hi Salvatore:
Great idea. This provides a sense of leadership, responsibility, and accountability too. Students can turn to this peer for answering questions too, I'm sure. Breaking up the normal routine with discussions is a good idea too - as long as the discussion is focused on the lesson and not just filler.
Regards, Barry
