Thinking Activites
Students will retain more if they have an understanding of not only the method of application but also why the methods are applicable.
Hi Frank,
It is amazing what students can learn from mock learning. Mock learning is a great tool to test students understanding in a fun way.
Patricia Scales
I also teach clinical classes and find "mock clinics" a great tool.
Hi John,
Good steps to ensure your students have the knowledge they need in order to be successful.
Patricia Scales
I also think that the students in my class learn better by doing activities. I start by giving them the enabling information like; what they should learn from the activity, why it is important to them, and then after the activity we return to the classroom to review.
Hi George,
Absolutely! Hands-on learning is very effective, and students get it.
Patricia Scales
Yes, I agree. When they actually get to do something hands on they see how it works, think about how it works and have a better understanding then just sitting and listening to lecture.
Hi Anthony,
When students realize that the information they are learning is applicable to the real world, they become really interested in learning.
Patricia Scales
Frank letting the student that this is real world and activities are relvent to ther work is key
Hi Gregory,
Showing course relevancy is very important to the adult learner. Students want to know how the information is going to be utilized in the workplace.
Patricia Scales
I agree. I find students retain more useful knowledge and become less "robotic" in tasks if they can see how it relates to their future.
Hi James,
It really does help when students understand how the course will help them in their career.
Patricia Scales
I agree, Frank. I have been trying more often to get the student to "buy in" to the course by understanding how it applies to them in the field. It helps a lot if they understand how the lesson may improve their earning power.
Hi Arlene,
I concur! Adult learners must understand why they have to learn the information. Once they understand that the information can be used in their career, they grow a fond interest in learing the information.
Patricia Scales
I agree whole heartedly with this statement. One thing that can be said about adult learners across the board is that they want to know why they are doing an activity. How will the activity impact their career or academic goals? Once they understand how those objectives will be met by the activity I have seen renewed committment from students to ensure that they understand fully the method of application.
Hi Shawn,
You have it! Visuals are great learning tools.
Patricia Scales
I try to bring as many training aids into the classroom with me as possible for this reason. I notice in lab they see why the methods are applicable so much easier...so by bringing training aids into the classroom and letting the students 'see' the method of application, it makes the reasoning behind it so much easier for them to grasp.
This saves me time as well...if the students understand faster, it buys me some time to engage in other active learning methods.
Hi Frank,
I agree! When students understand the why of learning a particular concept, it makes so much more sense to them.
Patricia Scales
