Hi Carol,
Thanks for sharing this strategy with us. This helps students to become engaged and focused on the different aspects of the course while seeing themselves as integral parts of the class.
Gary
I use short bursts of lecture combined with TestOut learning software. It's fantastic. The videos cover overlapping, but a little different material than their book covers, and it gives us hands-on activities and a small quiz at the end.
It really helps break up a hour and 1/2 class period and they learn a lot.
Students vary in their learning styles. No one student is the same; however there are similarities in the approach to learning and retention. The student must read the assignment and take notes on the main points so they understand the require elements. Use shorter sentences. When a student writes an assignment they should use white space so they can better see and feel their thoughts. Read the final write aloud and when satisfied with what is written then delete the excess white space.
I found this method increases writing performance in all students. The classroom is not to main setting for learning. The bulk of learning takes place outside of the classroom. Therefore, it’s the written text that forms the processes of learning and the classroom supports or enhances what was learned.
Walter Clement
using examples relevant to the students' careers.
Hi Wayne,
Good to hear. This approach really helps to keep the students engaged and focused on the learning process. A plus is that teaching will be more fun as well because the students really like to use their newly acquired knowledge to problem solve and you are helping them to do such with the case studies, learning groups, etc.
Gary
Lecture, is of course, the base but only works well for the auditory learner. It is important to vary instructional methods - I have brought craft-type materials in, had students use their computers (in a WiFi enabled environment only), bring in examples ffrom home, and actually teach part of the content themselves or in a group PPT presentation.
In discussion, bring learner's experiences into play - also use current events, state of the art research and materials into course content.
In the past, I have lectured for extended periods of time, I recently learned of the mini-lecture concept and have found this approach to really work. Between the mini-lectures is a great time to use a short case study or have other discussion where the students have to apply the content.
Hi Anne,
Great to hear about your teaching strategies. Dr. Gardner's definition of intelligence really explains what we are trying to do. By using his definition we are going to be able to more effectively reach our students.
Gary
Hello Jane,
Please provide some examples of how you like "mixing it up". I teach a 4 hours a day and like to see how you mix it up.
Thank you,
Lauri
As an avid reader and student of Howard Gardner, I am very aware of the various learning styles that exist within the classroom environment. I limit my lecture time as I find more and more students object to lecture and prefer hands-on activities or the ability to present the information themselves through case based learning. Therefore, I feel I often promote the use of varying learning styles within the classroom.
I just do my research very well
Hi Jane,
I hear you about mixing things up. I teach classes from 4 until 10 pm so I need to do what you are doing and offer a variety of instructional modes to keep my students engaged and focused.
Gary
I not only use a variety of delivery methods, but at the end of the section or class session, I ask the students how they feel the content of the section/session has affected them or WILL affect them in the future.
Example: Recently, after teaching a class on how the internet works (typing in a URL and how the page gets returned) one of the gals in my class said, "Huh, I didn't know all that took place when I typed in a web page address... I guess I won't complain anymore when the Internet is slow."
Lynn - I do the same. I also ask students to make presentations of their homework and/or Assignments so to "mix it up" more and allow students to learn from each other!
Mark McMullen
In classroom instruction, I note on the board what key discussion points will be for the class. These are the key things that I want to cover in the class. I usually conduct lectures that are very interactive and ask students questions to engage the class. I also use case histories so that students can see how learning concepts are practically applied in the real world.
Mark McMullen
I find that it's important to translate the content through the real experience of the teacher. That helps to make it more real for the students.
Mixing it up!!! Having weekly 4 or 5 hour classes gives me a great opportunity to incorporate many methods of instruction. This way each type of learner gets some of their preferred method and has the opportunity to step out of their comfort zone and explore other learning methods as well.
In every class session, I encorporate reading assignment, power point presentation, critical thinking discussion, video demo of competency, my demo of the competency and hands on practice.
Using a variety of teaching methods for each type of learner I bring my professional world into the classroom or take my classroom to the professional world. Guest speakers from the community as well as field trips have a wonderful impact on students. I have found that it rejuvenates them in the middle of the quarter... gets them excited about the class all over again. I also use the lab to create a work environment senario.... where the students actually perform the very tasks they will do in their chosen career field.
