Active Learning
During this course I realized I use the lecture/discussion format in my classroom. I now have more ideas on how to use the small group active learning in my classroom.
Hi Daniel,
When students feel a connection they are certainly more likely to participate. Students like feeling they have ownership in the class. Active learning really is one of the best forms of learning.
Patricia Scales
By utilizing small group activities this encourages all students to participate in the learning process. By allowing the groups to discuss various solutions to particular problems the students who rarely engages in discussion now feel more involved when offering input into a certain situation. Often I will break the students into groups when problem solving different scenarios. This activity encourages discussion and involves each individual's ideas to be introduced which leads the student to feel more involved in their learning. This method seems to give the individual student an opportunity to give input while encouraging active participation. Overall the entire class seems to be attentive and wanting to offer their view of how the problem/scenario should be resolved.By doing this type of activity I feel that the students feel more connected and thereby improve their attitudes and eagerness to become more knowledgable. Incorporating discussion about different answers given by students also engages the students leading to a more rewarding learning enviroment.
Hi Holly,
You have it! Active learning is magical! It makes everything better!
Patricia Scales
I will also use active learning in my teaching. The students would definately benefit from active learning. There are some of my lectures that are boring to me. Usually I look up and the student's eyes are "glazed" over. I know at that point I need to change my strategy. Active learning it is!
Hi Joan,
Students love active learning, and it is a very effective way for students to retain information.
Patricia Scales
This course helped me see that I do the lecture/discussion technique in the classroom. I do include group and individual presentations, which can be high risk. I will definitely make an effort to do the "pause" and implement more "active" techniques.
Hi Latoya,
Students love a variety in teaching methods. You should try a variation, such as field trips, guest speakers, peer learning, role playing, mock learning, simulations, scenarios, etc.
Patricia Scales
ED 111 was very informative and it also gave me more ways to construct activities in the classroom. My class time is majority lecture/discussion. I normally have my students take notes during the lecture, but when I ask questions they can be very slow responding. I am going to implement the lecture/pause method then allow the note taking to be a group activity/discussion exercise.
Hi Robert,
Use technology as much as you can. Students love it when technology is involved.
Patricia Scales
