Active Learning is a must for success in the classroom!
As a an instructor in the healthcare field, I really try to promote active learning in the classroom and the lab. Right now, we are studying Anatomy & Physiology, which is the foudnation of their learning. Each student needs to have a strong foundation to build upon. As the instructor, it is my responsibility to teach to all earning styles. This is where active learning as a direct role in the process. Active learning will ensure that I am successful as the instructor as well as my students to be succesful in the program. Through active learning we can use a variety of learning materials, provide self direction and make it enjoyable for the students! Preparation is the key!!
Hi Denise,
I understand. No one knows it all. Whenever I do not know, I do not try to act like I do. I simply admit to not knowing and let my students know that I will find the answer and have a response for the next class meeting. Students respect you more when you admit to not knowing, but you try to find out.
Patricia Scales
I think it's important to acknowledge that I am a "facilitator" of knowledge" rather than a person with all of the answers.
Hi Traci,
Students love visual learning. PowerPoint slides can become old after a while.
Patricia Scales
I had to teach a 3 hour class on tooth anatomy and was struggling with some student fatigue. My program director really pushed me to implement some hands on activities like using playdough to sculpt teeth to help students visualize rather than just slide after power point slide. It was a huge success. Students loved it and test scores went up.
Hi Barbara,
Students enjoy exploring. I have found that students can find anything they want through research. This generation of students is a wiz on the computer. They know how to get what they want.
Patricia Scales
I agree that active learning is a more interesting avenue for students to learn. Students are different today than they used to be. Technology is different today than it used to be. Because of this, students have more information available to them which can make it more challenging for the instructor. When the instructor can allow the students more freedom to explore and find information on their own, this alone helps to create an active learning environment.The students can feel more empowered, and that can give them more confidence. I find that projects revolving around the content material is a fun way for the students to put into play what they have learned.
I totally agree...I am so glad I teach baking and pastry where everything is hands on and each student is personally involved in the design, creation and presentation of their products (especially in advanced classes). I see oftentimes in genereal education classes, or when students tell us about their boring lectures, when instructors read off of books or notes and hardly glance at their students. They neither pause to emphasize a point nor allow students to digest what is said.
Hi Michelle,
Students expect to be actively invovled when they are learning. A great way to grasp students attention is to ensure active learning is taking place.
Patricia
