I try to bring in examples for the students to use when they are relevant to the course material. Aromatherapy - I bring in oils. Herbal Wraps - I bring in live herbs etc. This way they can see the things, touch them, try them & it helps making the learning a lot more fun.
Ask them to physically act out a situation related to a social science concept? Have them discuss how a specific concept might be applied or demonstrated in their respective fields - sports, dance, etc? I have found that if students can somehow relate a concept to their own lives, it can really ignite class discussions and lead to better understanding.
I teach online, so I use audio/video recordings of mini-lectures, PowerPoints, handouts, and visual images/graphs, etc. During a live chat session, I can share my computer screen with them, so I can do some hands-on activities with them. For example, I share a screen showing the library databases, I ask them to access the library from their computers. Then, show them how to do effective keyword searches on their topics, ask them to try it on their computers, and discuss findings. I only lecture about 15 minutes per class, and the rest of the class is discussion and hands-on activities.
I host online teaching so while have scheduled lectures for each week's assignment, I also host special lectures every other week that is geared for the slow learners or beginners.
Hi Petya,
Good plan. Learners like variety and the more of that you can provide the more they will stay engaged and progressing in the course.
Gary
I always try to incorporate various methods that will allow for an interactive class time. I plan my instruction based on the course outcomes and present the information by rotating different delivery methods – lecture, presentation, short movie/clip, etc. Upon delivery I always allow for class discussion and reflection time.
Hi Julie,
Good idea on how to bring returning students up to speed while giving the demonstrating student experience in communication and transference of skills.
Gary
Hi Dean,
The change up that you bring to the class and the various activities all help to keep the students engaged and focused. They need variety so they don't lose interest in the course and the day's topic.
Gary
I try to relate concepts in the book and lecture notes to my own personal business experience. I have also gathered background information on the past and current employment situations of my students. This allows me to use examples that might relate to a specific industry or situation one or more of them may have experienced in the past.
Our class meets for two hours. I usually split the lecture into two 20-30 minute segments and do one during each hour. I mix in some class discussion, real world examples, and small group discussion to reinforce the concepts and break up the lecturing. This also helps give a little of several different instructional methods to the students.
I demonstrate the skill that I want the students to learn and then I have them demonstrate the skill for me. Yes, they are not completely comfortable with it but I find that they respond positively to it and they often become comfortable with the skill quickly. If a student is absent the day the skill is demonstrated, I have another student teach the formerly-absent student the skill (with myself observing). This helps both parties to learn the skill and the student who taught the skill increases his/her knowledge.
Every class is different with the learning styles. You have to readjust your mode of instruction for the different styles.
I agree with this. It was a great review.
I utilize visual, lecture, and tactile (lab) all in the same lesson plan. We move from lecture to video, powerpoint, or web browsing to demonstartion and hands on in lab. All material is reinforced numerous times this way.
I totally agree with using daily current events to incorporate environmental science and make it more relevant. I also use handouts or ask students to bring internet articles to keep the subject fresh with what is going on in today's world. It gives the students a sense of heightened awareness and allows the student to see how this course might be useful to them in the future.
Making course contents relevant and applicable is extremely important to keep students interested in the subject. I use real life examples in class discussions to relate course contents to real life experiences and encourage students to share their views.
I use a variety of different ways to make a course content relevent and applicable including talking about news items such as the white house garden to talk about fresh produce and local sourching.
IT seems that the studnets that miss consistently are the ones that have the most problem with material and on evaluations
real life stories and what has worked for me.
Hi Teresa,
Glad to hear it. As you spend more time in the teaching your experience base will expand with new ideas and options you want to bring into your classroom. This is the fun part of being an instructor. You get to impact lives while sharing your field, this is as good as it gets. I wish you the best in your instructional development.
Gary
