Bonnie Wilson

I agree with the use of varied instructional methods. The use of sterilized teeth worked very well in a Dental Anatomy course that I taught along with a work-book which guided the students in drawing each tooth. The idea was not to become an artist but to reinforce the intricacies of each anatomical landmark and to become more familiar with the anatomy. Working in groups helped as well when they were identifying the sterile extracted teeth. Straight lecture and Power Point can be dry so it is best to use creative ways to engage the students.

Sandra Rosenberg

Diane,
I teach dental radiology and have used all the techniques you mentioned. Youtube has been a valuable source of visual visual learning for specific radiology techniques. I also used it for the more difficult concepts in radiology physics. I see it definitely gets their attention more than just lecturing and I always try to insert a video where ever possible. They love the Big Board Review which works like Jeopardy, but they do not have to phrase it as a question. Radiology can be a pretty dry subject in the beginning, but as they start taking radiographs all they have learned makes sense.
Sandy

Diane Osso

Hi Tammy,
I have taught dental anatomy for the past 3 years and have found that pure lecturing is not the best way for this content. Since my first year I have incorporated using large and small teeth models working with a partner to visually "see" the feature discussed in the Ppt. I have used sterilized teeth for a more realistic model. I have made work sheets relating to the course content just taught (labeling, fill in the blank, listing, etc). I have made jeopardy quizzes to review the last lectures material. And, in Histology I have used You-tube to see videos on my topics. Student satisfaction has gone up exponentially with the extra modes of teaching I have incorporated. It is time consuming, but once developed it is actually a time saver with not needing to constantly answer class questions or tutor.
Thanks, Diane Osso