I also use all methods available to me to reach all of my students. I use audio to deliver theory, then I will use visual so the students can see the theory in action, then I use tactile where the students will play out the role of the theory.
I believe that instructional methods need flexibility to accommodate different student learning preferences while being careful not to individualize course content or desired results to match the skill set of each student.
Hi Kimberly,
Good plan. You are hitting on the different learning preferences as well as keeping the students focused and engaged. This is what good teaching is all about.
Gary
I try to have students outline and do chapter review questions. Then I do power point presentations. I also plan alot of field trips so that students get actual hands on experience. I also have the students teach. I really try to mix it up so that I hit the different ways that students learn. They may be auditory, hands on or read so hopefully they all get something out of my classes.
I always enjoy have a few options for the class - telling them what we need to cover that day and then allowing them discuss and choose the best method.
at the end of the day i review the process with the students, and review the syllaby for the following day to find out what was good for the majority and what would be the best way of execution, then to help plan for the next class with them what will be more benificial for the class as a whole. So that every one gets an imput and every one learns.
Assessments of their understanding of the course content closely model their national certification exam.
The most important strategy in my opinion is for an instructor to keep learning his subject matter. The better one knows the subject matter, the more avenues of explaining, making points and concepts more clear and understanderable. I understand that proper presentation, control and demenor are important, but if you have limited reserves, you have a limited presentation with limited underanding and learning. I feel that too many people are entering the teaching field with minimum qualifacations just for a job rather than a teaching career. When they get in they make a nest and stalmate. Information is what holds all kinds and types of students interest and fulfills their learning needs.
I teach a Law and Ethics in Health Care class that lends itself well to accommodating the learning preferences of my students.
We have had guest speakers, moot courts, dvd, matching games as well as tradtional lecture as well as student driven lecture and role playing. It has been a fun class and I feel certain that the variety has engaged the variety of learning preferences in my class.
I try to incorporate different learning styles so that all of your students feel like they are getting the material they need.
I think that using ones own past experiences relevant to course content is an excellent way to promote understanding and retention. After all, we are hired to train students in our own areas of specialty for one simple, primary reason. It's because we have already mastered the material and gained plenty of experience worthy of sharing.
I read ahead in the text as mentioned by another poster. Also, I learn from prior classes -- what seemed to work, what didn't. I usually think of what would keep me interested in the topic and incorporate where I can. Of course, some classes are 3 hours, others shorter and that affects my abilities to use certain media.
I think it also helps to do this so you can give a little foreshadowing about upcoming lessons. A good writer will do this and I believe a good instructor should consider this as well.
I have included daily motivational phrases for my students (voc-ed)that I feel will continue to help them realize that while they face a great challenge, they have taken the opportunity to imporove their lives and should understand that their fate and goals lie not only in the way they approach the program, but the attitude with which they approach it and my role in guiding them though that.
Hi Ward,
This is a great project and very graphic. When students see the facts about where the dollars have gone they start to realize the value of what they are learning. Keep up the good work.
Gary
I have a class project I use in Culinary Math. I always hear students saying they have no money. Can't afford to eat etc. I also see my students with hamburger bags and cups of Starbucks. I ask that for the class project they price out all the food they eat on a weekend. I also ask that they make all of thier meals one weekend out of 6. What they end up seeing is that it actually cost much less to prepare all of thier own meals than it does to buy even value meals at McDonalds. They also have to do the math that the class is actually based on to finish the project.
Hi Kelly,
This is a great way to get a feel for where your students are coming from and the types of support they need. We have been former students and we need to remember our experiences from those times and then plan our instructional delivery around how we can build on what we have experienced.
Gary
I use the dry erase board for visual effect, but also incorporate alot of hands on Demos to reinforce what is written.
I try to put myself into the student's shoes by thinking about possible questions that may arise based on different learning styles. In this way, I can then tailor my instructions to accommodate different students.
I incorporate time for lecture, labs, in class time for questions, homework and reading for the students.
