We have to keep the big picture in mind when delivering our content. All students do not learn the same. By varying our methods from 1 hour to the next or using two methods at the same time we have greater odds of reaching more students. When I lecture I also use powerpoint visual aids as well as physical pass arounds that have been disected or taken apart. using all these together really does a great job of reaching most if not all of my students.
Godwin,
Right about differences. This is what makes teaching so much fun as well as so challenging. Diverse learners each and every day of teaching.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Different strokes for different folks. It is important we develop different instructional styles in order to accommodate the varied learning requirements of students. I must emphasize that delivering lectures is not a one size fits all approach.
Students have different learning styles, and varying instructional delivery methods will facilitate learning for all of the students.
People are all different. There is not one learning style which is better than another, however one style may work better for the studen than the other. For this reason is important to ensure delivery styles are changed up to keep the attention of the students and them engaged in the lesson.
Peter,
You are using variety and change of pace to enable your students to keep focus on the content they need for success. Your model enables them to be engaged both as listeners as well as contributors. This increases their excitement for the course and the information being shared. I like what you are doing with this longer session class.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
With my current class, it is two days a week, four hour classes. Leaving out two 20 min breaks, that's 200 minutes of class, about 13 15 minute segments. So knowing that attention will wane this many times, this requires numerous shifts in the delivery of content. To be honest, I have found myself lecturing for an hour or more during the first half of class, but this lecture does vary in format, moving from interactive discussions to problem solving global questions. And for the second half, we switch it up completely, moving to a different environment, normally the computer lab, and engage in other types of activities.
It is important to have varied delivery options when teaching a class. Not every student has the same learning style, so it is important to cater to each style so that every student has a chance to grasp the information.
I've found that by offering varied delivery I am able to reach most students and help them to understand and process the material. It has brought my student success rate up to almost 100%.
Student are different in the way they receive information, by providing a variety of instructional styles will let all the student to by current.
It is important to offer a variety of instructional delivery methods in classes because there are many ways students learn. In ED103 the various learning styles were discussed. I found the information to be thought-provoding in accounting class for example. I still use the overhead projector to present journal entries one by one, covering the remaining entries with paper. It gives focus and avoids wasting time writing on the board and also running out of space.
First of all, it helps students with all different learning styles learn the material.
Secondly, it also helps prevent boredom, if all you ever do is stand and lecture you and your students will get bored quickly with your class.
Varying what you do and how you do it will keep interest for all of you.
Each student has their own unique formula of learning style combinations, and students vary in terms of concentration. (I've found that for some students, even 5 to 7 minutes of focusing on one element is too much.) Combining different lecture styles and providing problem-based activities allows you to better reach the total student population.
Simple answer: multiple learning styles. I try to have my ADD and ADHD students in the front row. I frequently toss questions out looking for those who are paying attention or those who remember previous lecture material.
I have detailed PPTs and detailed written lecture notes for my visual learners; and I speak as I write and verbally explain each PPT for my audio students.
During tutoring, I have students paraphrase their take on the subject. I utilize many arrows leading from one topic to another. This forces students to critically think about what is connecting the arrows.
Teresa,
Students like a routine in terms of course functions but like variety and change of pace when it comes to content delivery. Your approach is offering such strategies to your students and will serve to increase their engagement.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
It is important because as an instructor you want to make sure that you reach all of your students, regardless of their learning style. This can often times be difficult because most instructors teach in the manner that they learn.
Barbara,
I agree with your comments as I teach from 4 until 10 pm. This is a long time to keep students engaged so it takes a lot of planning and creativity to keep their focus. I enjoy my evening classes because I have such dedicated students to give up an evening after a day's work to further their career opportunities. It is exciting for me to help them toward their life goals.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Varying the delivery of the instruction for a course and for each session activates more of my brain activity as an instructor and of my students. The challenge is to read the students, so the delivery method doesn't close the door to learning for anyone. Varying the methods throughout the session and giving students an overview of the day makes them partners in the learning process - in my experience.
In my current position, the evening classes are especially challenging as they are 5 hours long, lasting until 10:30 pm. I find it helpful to vary the instructional delivery to help the students remain engaged. Too much routine, in particular, can lead to "zoning out" among tired students.
By changing up delivery methods it stretches the instructor's skills too; so often we fall into ruts with what's worked before.
