Combining Hands On and Discussion
The way i do it in my class is very simple actuallu. We take apart the item that we are talking about that day. This gets them excited because they have hands on from the very beginning. As we then go over the different components they have them in their hand so they can actually see the changes i refer to in the parts. At the end of the day when they are reassembling I go around and look and make sure they are doing it correctly if not i coach and help them. Very easy approach for me in what i teach.
Thanks for the example, Raymond...and by adding a visual such as a chart or diagram, you have pretty much covered the visual, auditory and hands-on learning styles.
Jay Hollowell
MaxKnowledge/CEE
As an electronics instructor I used to find it a little difficult to explain the theory without backing it up with proof. Since course 17 Basic Electronics has changed its curriculum to more hands on training aids I found it very easy to have the students build and measure the circuits while I explain them. Over all more is learned by all....lecture for the listeners and hands on for the not so good listeners.
I do a similar way of presenting the material. I set the table with all the instruments laid out, then discuss the different use and function of each piece. I conduct a question and answer forum, then take all the instruments away and present it one by one. After that, the students are given a chance to identify the instrument and tell the class its use.
When i look out into the students eyes during a lecture, i see boredom on most faces. During the Demonstration I have adopted the Instructor Guided Demo, rather than the instructor provided demo. I have found that each student sees much more and room is more available to see when they are not all bunched together trying to see what I am doing. I guide them step by step through a process and as they do it, i may point out specific areas of concern. I circle the room while moving to the next point, making sure everybody is on the same step. When lab time comes, I have found that there are less procedural issues on tasks. I have noticed that everyone is more alert and active during an instructor led demo, they are doing the task, anxiously waiting for the next step to come.
