Hi Sarah,
Students like variety, and contrary to blief, they like to be kept busy.
Patricia Scales
Well as a PhD candidate at my institution I teach cell physiology and a way we actively engage our students is we have several labs over the duration of the semester. Before each lab we have them watch a podcast of "how to do the technique" when we come to class we get to spend more time on task actually carrying out their very own "experiment". Finally once we have gone through approx 7 of these "cookie cutter" labs, we have them come up with their own project in which they utilize the knowledge throughout these labs to actively adjust and learn about the techniques gaining insights into their advantages and disadvantages along with their applicability in certain situations. I have my masters in environmental science and I utilize q and a during my lecture with clear objectives setup with I need to tell you this information, test your comprehnsion and engagement along with does this make sense questions and then curb it off with some lab experiments to bring it home.
Patricia - I do something simliar. I try to balance every 15-20 minutes of lecture with at least the same amount of hands-on activities or group work that breaks up the lecture components and keeps students moving through the course outcomes.
Sarah
Hi Hank,
This is great exercise so that students can get a better understanding as to what is expected of them in the real world.
Patricia Scales
I think it helps to use the role play and get them to see procedures and how they can have an active role in what they are doing and why these activities are important to them.I have my students imagine if they were the car's computer and what type of information they would need to know if they were in charge of adjusting the air fuel mixture and then have them come up with the sensor that gives them that information, its location and how it would work.This works fine in the automotive field.
Hi Scott,
Imagination brings out the students creative ways. I am sure you get some awesome responses from students.
Patricia Scales
Hi Ricky,
Academic competition can bring out the best in students, and I like how you keep the competition in a positive light.
Patricia Scales
I teach automotive electronics class, I have my students imagine if they were the car's computer and what type of information they would need to know if they were in charge of adjusting the air fuel mixture and then have them come up with the sensor that gives them that information, its location and how it would work.
I like to set up "friendly" competitions amoung my students. It forces them to get creative and come up with inovative ideas. It reenforces the group dynamics in a very positive manner.
Hi Lisa,
Great assignment to reinforce what has already been taught. The research clicks with the students because they have heard the information before.
Patricia Scales
Hi Crystal,
Absolutely! Apply book theory to the real world is a great teaching method in the classroom.
Patricia Scales
Hi Abundio,
Ten brains are always better than one. As instructors we must do all we can to make sure our lecture/teaching is very up beat.
Patricia Scales
Hi Joseph,
Great combination to have fun while learning. This is extremely practical and sounds to be very effective. I like how you let your students utilize their imagination within your guidelines.
Patricia Scales
in all of my varied courses criticle thinking is imperative.
im big on what-if scenarios in my classroom, you must utilize most all learning styles to succeed.
Mystery box practicals are the best, because they force the student to utilize new products,fabricate, cook and serve them in a way that represents thier skill set for success
An example of a critical thinking activity that I use in class is having the students play as characters in an engine management system. By describing and functioning as the system components and interacting with the PCM/Computer (Another student of course) they start to see the end result of system inputs and how the computer processes the information while running a vehicle. First I give them specific directions to follow for processing the information then I let them use their imaginations by selecting different scenarios which could occur and seeing the effect it has on the operating system. It's exciting to see the light bulbs go off when they start modifying the conditions and realizing the effects that will occur based on the modifications. They soon try to out do each other with designs of different strategies and end up with a good grasp of what it really takes for proper engine management. Then when we transition to the lab environment and finally have a final skills assessment they can see the results of their learning. FUN and Educational....Bonus
Yes indeed. If I have 10 studnet, ten different idea and thoughts, so I try to get their thought and learn from each thought. Att he end, we merge the every thought in one and they are achieving more from its, that just listening from my lecture. I notice that after few minutes, few of th estudent showing lost interest to listen. Some of them falling as sleep, so I keep my lecture discussion very active and I also call student by their name and this also help them listen carefully.
I like to use case studies because the students are able to use the information they developed from the lecture and see how it applies in a real life situation.
I teach courses related to health care management. I provide the class with critical thinking dicussion questions that require them to research current information related to the topics being reviewed. This help them make connections to current events and it also reinforces the information already shared.
Hi John,
I like how you prepare your students for changing the recipes. Students tend to emulate their instructors. Great exercise to get students to think critically.
Patricia Scales
Hi Abundio,
Super idea! It is always good to get all students involved because they all are important.
Patricia Scales
