I have integrated more visual aids into my classes and used more demonstrations to reach visual and kinesthetic learners.
In the courses I teach I share relevant stories of actual situations I've experienced as it relates to certain aspects of the course. I also have the students research current issues related to topics covered within the course.
Hi Gloria,
Way to go with offering your students variety in the delivery of content. This is very important to keep them engaged as you know from your comments.
Gary
When I am lecturing I use different styles, and I will learn what works best for some students and what does not at that time I will open for Q&A
Gloria Chester
Active learning works because its goal is simple: To move students from passive recipients to motivated participants through more contextualized, hands-on teaching activities. These activities vary from cooperative learning, to project-based learning, to case studies and service learning. For more information about some of these approaches, please see the section on Developing Reciprocity and Cooperation Among Students. Active learning works because it transcends curriculum; strategies can work in chemistry, engineering, business, education, and the humanities, just to name a few disciplines. Finally, active learning works because it allows for students to assess their own role in their learning processes.
Hi Robert,
I am sure this really captures the attention of your students. Once when I was taking such a course we walked around the campus taking samples from door knobs, desk tops, etc.. Talk about the "yew" factor. There were germs everywhere and as a result of learning this I became fascinated with this whole area. Was a great engagement tool for me and the rest of the class.
Gary
When discussing Infection Control Procedures, I will explain what bacteria and viruses can do when a area is improperly cleaned, and also show pictures of common infections.
Hi Jonathan,
This is so true. Students like to hear about these types of experiences because it gives them a clearer picture of what they will encounter when they are out there.
Gary
I try to verbaly explane what it is that we are doing, I then demo what we will be doing then we break into groups and let them actually do the task and I walk around and help and give feedback.
I try to follow the example given in this forum and provide variations to my presentations. I use the black board to emphasis key points. I occasionally use videos to provide a different perspective. Lastly, I love to bring in example so that tactile learners can feel and touch.
I am an older instructor. In addition to my experiences I have made a number of mistakes throughout my first career. By sharing my mistakes as well as my success I provide a level of believability to my stories. Believebility adds relevance.
Michelle,
I think that sharing your personal field work experiences is a great idea. This gives them a picture of how the contect connects to their lives and to their possible careers. This also gives them the chance to hear your perspective of the material as it relates to your job.
I teach mathematics and I feel it is important to always show the students how the material is related to the real world. We discuss current events and recent studies that incorporate mathematics. We also discuss things that relate to the personal lives of the students.
Teaching in an online environment, it's critical to cover all learning styles, there is no face-to-face interaction. I deliver content using PowerPoint presentations uploaded into the classroom allowing visualization and students can read information on the slide. My lecture is auditory; I step through the presentation using a microphone, adding additional information as needed from my lecture notes. The presentation includes diagrams and other visuals. Many diagrams consist of several slides that step through stages of the technology being shared such as how congestion control and traffic management in high speed networks process traffic. The visual adds additional clarity for the visual learners who are not in the IT field. Q and A is also built into the end of the lecture for clarity assignments and to answer questions about information covered in the lecture. Multiple choice surveys are used from time to time that allow students to click on their response to survey questions. Students also have two group projects and multiple required discussion forums. I share links at the end of the PowerPoint presentations directing students to additional information. One link shares a YouTube video that demonstrates network technology built into automobiles allowing them to communicate in the event of an accident or traffic jam.
I have found that adding variety to each class session helps engage all learners and I get better results. This means that I may start the class with a short writing assignment, after which they break up into small groups and discuss their work. We may then come together as a class for a more in-depth discussion from which I segue into a brief lecture to connect the activity with the course objectives.
Students not only react positively to this variation, but it helps motivate me to be creative in my course planning.
I try to incorporate, visual (power point & slide presentations), auditory (traditional lecture), reading (have students read individual articles), manipulative is not always easy to do as I teach Nutrition as an general education course.
Hi Luis,
You make a good point. Helping the students to understand relevancy and application of course content is very valuable in helping them achieve their career goals.
Gary
I try to relate the course content with the needs of the students. I work for a career college so I try to make them understand that they will use the knowledge they are acquiring during the course in their professional life.
We have a hands on lab, so I will allow the students to record me doing a process to watch and observe later. This seems to help many of the students.
Hi Shannon,
Good to hear about your results with Jeopardy. These have been my results as well. The change of pace that the game offers really helps the students to stay on target without becoming bored.
Gary
