Hi Martin,
Great way to make learning apply to the real world. Students love this type of learning.
Patricia Scales
I teach cosmetology and I try to keep my class interactive as much as possible. I challenge my students regularly. One of my tasks is to take a bunch of hair color formulas and post them on our whiteboard. My students come in and have to figure out how to simplify the formula to its simplest form. It makes them really think and they love trying the color out on their mannequins to see if they were correct.
We teach vocational training. Our students must use the analytical thinking to arrange and resolve the steps to all procedures. The task of manicuring to chemistry. The cause and effect of everything that we do. We know when the light goes on and the process is complete. They all have answers to our review discussions.
First I have students test the components of an EGR system that is working correctly and then I will install a faulty component into the system and the students must find the problem.
Hi Scott,
What a creative way to teach this lesson. I am sure your students have fun with this and really learn from this assignment. Students love and need hands-on activities to better grasp most concepts.
Patricia Scales
I give my students an electrical diagram for a complex series-parallel lighting circuit. They are required to first, build the circuit on a bread board so that it operates properly. Then they must predict the voltage drop across each component. Then they measure and document the actual voltage drop and compare the actual readings with their prediction. Once this process is complete, they are instructed to turn the light circuit off and remove a specific circuit protection device that results in electrical feedback through the circuit. Before they are allowed operate the faulted circuit, using the diagram to trace predicted current flow in the faulted circuit, they must predict how the faulted circuit will now operate. This can be very entertaining to watch and has proven to be a most effective way to teach electrical feedback characteristics.
Hi Stephen,
I like how you give your students an opportunity to gather their thoughts as to why, and then you let them know exactly why. Great learning exercise!
Patricia Scales
During one subject in my Fuel Systems lecture, I go over a senario that demonstrates the effects of engine modifications that actually reduce the engines performance after each modification. I then have the students analyze and write down why each modification went the wrong way. They do this working as groups. After they turn in their papers, I go over why the modifications went haywire. This usually brings up conversations that enhance the lecture.
Hi Gary,
This is a good way to determine if the students are grasping the concepts or not.
Patricia Scales
I give my students a diagram of a relay componet with the information about it in the wrong id parts location and the students have to place id parts corret order it also shows me how much information the students retain for that lession
Hi Rebecca,
I really like the idea of students evaluating their peers. It makes students step up to the plate because they know they are going to be evaluated.
Patricia Scales
I give the students a rubric for assessment of their fellow students during a presentation. It is usually a wake-up as to how difficult it is to analysis a presentation.
Hi Angel,
I can see how students really get into this! Hands-on learning is a big hit with students.
Patricia Scales
I will lay out all differenty types of PC hardware and ask the students to put it all together in a small network. Students seem to really enjoy this because it applies hand-on and analytical thinking to make sure all the equipment is compatible.
I will lecture on an engine system. then the students will perform tests on the system to see how it functions properly. then i will "bug" it, and have them diagnose it using what they have previously learned.
I will ask the students to describe the operation of a training aid that is part of the lesson
Hi James,
Your students will appreciate it in the workplace how you have taught them to troubleshoot and resolve problems. You make learning apply to the real world.
Patricia Scales
As I teach my class I give examples of diagnostic keypoints for the subject matter we are covering. Towards the end of the class i will have them problem solve and troubleshoot based off information I give them. They work thier way through the problem by asking questions and eventually coming to a conclusion based off the diagnostic information that we have coverd from the beginning of the class.
I teach cooking. Cooks must be both critical and analytical thinkers. Analytical thinking is important when cooking from a new recipe. From previous classes, my students should have a good understanding of basic cooking techniques. What I expect from them is to anaylize their recipes and then plan their preparation. I want them to determine what equipment they will need, what cooking methods they will employ, and what steps they will take in order or simualtaneously. Essentailly, I want them to be smarter than the recipe.
Hi Paul,
I am sure students get this based on the way you break everything down...very interesting.
Patricia Scales
