I teach part time and work full time in the field. I often share case studies and stories of patients/clients whom I have worked with. This seems to keep the material "real world". I also try to implement guest speakers and field trips that enhance the learning experience.
I can see a multi-level importance to connecting with your students perception of course relevance throughout the course.
It would be interesting to see a study showing how much student perception of course relevance effects their performance of course objectives.
I review the book, gather articles, movies, that will help to enhance my informational delivery to the students. I try to "read" my classes to attempt to ascertain what predominate learning styles are present. I then adjust my styles accordingly.
Hi Jennifer,
Great balance in getting the information across to the students. They get to hear, see and do. This is a multi-sensory approach that is very effective. Good job.
Gary
Hi Chris,
I like the idea of having the students develop their communication skills in such a setting. Just as you say it is a low risk endeavor for these individuals but a great booster for them when they deliver a good speech.
Gary
After presenting initial information to the class in lecture form and interactive discussions I then move them to the class for a demonstration followed by active participation. By doing this the students first hear what they need to do. They then ask any questions to clarify the task or even make suggestions. They then get to see the task performed and finally they themselves get to do the task. All this is followed up with possitive reinforcement and continued learning to further improve the task in the future.
One strategy we implement in our Busineess Communication class is students have 2 speeches to give during the module. Since most of our students are medical and business majors theses will be the main topics.
This gives the student the opportunity to delve further in their major in a "neutral" environment.
I have tried using variety in my presentations.
I have tried to include the wriiten word form, the Auditory form and the Tactile form. I feel the more I use , the more students that I can reach.
Hi Chris,
You are on the right path using a variety of methods of delivering course content. This variety will help keep the students interested and engaged in the learning process.
Gary
I implement the lecture, hands on labs and I use videotape to reinforce the lectures.
It just depends on the demographics of my students for example I provide more mini lectures to evening classes because I know students are usually tired from the day.
Hi James,
I like your approach. I use cast studies a lot in my courses because it helps my students to learn to think and problem solve. You have given good examples of how this is being done in your area. Thanks for sharing your strategy.
Gary
Hi Neil,
Good job with showing application and relevancy to your students. This should assist them greatly with their transition to the real world and career success.
Gary
Hi Robert,
Good analysis of your students and their learning needs. I am sure you are able to zero in on the learning preferences of your students and have the preparation completed that is required to meet their instructional needs.
Gary
In the advanced classes that I teach, I employ case studies and problem solving. Since I am a massage therapy instructor, I will present a scenario that deals with a musculoskeletal injury. The students then must decide what assessment tools, techniques, and treatment options they can use to deal with the injury. We then go from theoretical to practical application when we have people from the community come in to receive a massage from the students.
Since I teach in the medical field, I look for actual case studies that illustrate the principles I am teaching in lecture. This lets the students see that the basic information they are learning has direct application in clinical settings. In a way, it transports them from the classroom into the real world. They can see that what they are learning is actually helpful in solving problems they will encounter when they are working in their chosen field.
I Know sit and get my lesson plan ready each day, about 2 hours before class starts. I also have a power point, and ask questions to engage the students. I also have demonstrations. The student also learns by trial & error in my class, it is an Intro. class so there is to be errors & thats alright. But I see that about 90% of my class are Tactile learns & the rest Visual.
Hi James,
Student brains like variety even though humans like patterns. By taking the varied approach that you do your students get to experience the needed variety and are able to retain their focus.
Gary
Hi Emily,
Immediate application of newly acquired knowledge is critical to retention of students and course content by students. Your method allows that to happen. Good job.
Gary
I found using multiple approaches with the material not only reaches the specific learning styles; but gives repetition to the students, which in turn increases retention.
