Use multiple methods for delivery
Since students learn through a variety of different techniques it is important to include a variety of delivery methods.
The method of delivery also depends upon the level of proficiency of the students. I have found that the proficiency plays an important role in deciding which delivery methods will be most effective.
Hi Shannon,
I really like the model you are using with your Medical Terminology class. The methods of repetition being used give them a number of different approaches to learning the terminology. In addition you are making the course enjoyable for them which leads to more engagement. This is a win win for everyone.
Gary
When teaching my classes, I try to keep the students interested by doing a few things. The classes are 50 minutes long. Take, for example, the Medical Terminology class I am teaching currently. This class stress a lot on spelling of medical terms and putting words together and defining them. I give my students worksheets on abbreviations, combining forms, and vocabulary. They also get a worksheet on breaking down words and defining them. We play a review game of BINGO before their combining forms exam. I have the students interact a lot in the class. I have them each stand in front of the class and quiz the rest of the class on a given number of combining forms and/or abbreviations. My class seems to enjoy the interaction a lot.
I have found that many factors affect the delivery method: the course content, the dynamics of the class, and the time allotted, just to name a few.
Hi James,
In addition to the points you made about reaching students I think the use of different delivery methods helps keep our interest in the subject matter because we get to be creative in our delivery. It helps to make teaching fun.
Gary
I also agree with multiple methods of delivery because you will reach a higher majority of your students making each one more confident in their learning abilities.
Hi Karen,
This is good instructional planning because you adapt your presentation and style to the level of the students. Being able to do this is a sure sign of instructional maturity and I commend you for your efforts in this area.
Gary
My choice of delivery methods, primarily depends on my students. If I am teaching an advance level group, then I intend on using delivery methods that will motivate them and not bore them, for they already feel that they are smarter than everyone else in the school. If my class is a lower level group of students, I would be more hands on with the students. I would have to provide more assistance to ensure that they have mastered the content and stays on track. This group tends to be more challenging, for they already believe that they are not smart enough to handle the class.
I agree with Dara, this was an eye opener and requires much more effort (but better results) from the instructor. It requires a lot of preplanning to make it effective.
I really appreciated the point in this course that we do not have to incorporate each learning style in each and every class. It stated that it's not always practical -- not everything lends itself to all of the learning styles. I think this was one of the mini reflections mid-class.
To me, this was an eye-opener. I was under the impression that we did have to, and, quite frankly, sometimes I find it difficult to do. So, I was pleased to read that it wasn't always necessary. There is some material that just doesn't easily lend itself to each method of delivery and each learning style.
As you discover each student style of learning...I prepare to teach the content and delivery in many styles intergrating what this class requires. Questions and answering the material in a variety of ways keeps the students focused and involved.
