Hi Susan;
I have some very pertinent environmental videos that really bring home the 'concept' of consumption over-population' (consuming more than we need). The film (un-named)utilizes objects consumed (diapers, pints of milk, showers taken, appliances utilized, etc.) from craddle to grave in one person's life time. I also have a collection of other environmental videos that talk about ecosystems and the environment as we cover the material in the course. Our textbook is titled "Visualizing Environmental Science, 2nd Edition", so it is full of photos and graphs. The written portion of the text drives the messages home.
Mark
Hi Karen- Thanks for your post to the forum. Although it does take some time and effort to find the visuals that you mention, it does make a difference in how well your students will retain the material. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
I like to use power points, though I have learned that more is not better. Videos that demonstrate a concept are also good, as they bring in many of the senses, as well as emotions, humor, etc. so students can connect with the material and remember it.
I use a electronic computer game where I do the same thing you are referring to. I have found my students seem to retain the information better using this tool than they do with a straight lecture class.
I have been using comic strips and flash cards as an additional way to help my students learn.
Hi Diana- Thanks for your post to the forum and some good suggestions for teaching visual learners! Best wishes - Susan
Hi Michelle-Thanks for your post to the forum. Whata great classroom set-up you have! Your students must love being in your classroom! Best wishes - Susan
We have a tv set up over our demo area, where we utilize the tv with videos, slideshows, and the actual demonstration of the item the students will be making that day in class. By having a tv above the demonstration area gives a chance for all students to see what is going on at a close up feel no matter where in the room they are sitting.
Photographs, role plan pictoral models of concepts taught, working out calculations on the board with student input, graphs, etc. I use a combination strategies to keep visual learners engaged. They indicate that this really helps the remember important points and better understand them.
I agree. I try to incorporate models to help the students with critical thinking. Reading it and seeing it are very different and it gives the visual learners an opportunity to better understand concepts. I also find some humorous pictures to illustrate emotions like anxiety, fear, anger, etc. I teach mental health and find some students can better grasp concepts they can visualize.
HI Robert- Thanks for your post to the forum. We also have SmartBoards - they are really terrific! Although some of our more "senior" faculty were resistant, once they'd learned to use the interactive white boards they were hooked! Best wishes- Susan
I have a SMARTboard in my classroom. I think that every college classroom should be provided with one.
Hi Courtney- Thanks for your post to the forum. Making the effort to being in relevant materials from your workplace is excellent! Your students can clearly see how what they are learning will be relevant in their future workplaces. Best wishes -Susan
Not only do the powerpoint presentations help, but I bring in some actual "professional" examples of work, ie. contracts, graphics, etc. from my firm to use as examples. They just seem to be more "interesting" for the students and they all pay attention and ask more questions when it's not the typical from the textbook.
I utilize DVD and power point presentations, whiteboard, and handouts. I also bring lookbooks and press kits to share. THe students pass these around and seem to enjoy looking through these examples. This activity may appeal to the kinesthetic learners as well, as a good press kit often has textural interest.
HI Justin - Bringing in material to class probably cots you nothing but your time, but as you say the students can really learn a lot from those resources. Excellent! Susan
I teach Graphic Design. When I'm out and about in my daily life I am always grabbing printed materials to show the class as examples. I pick up both good and bad designed pieces and find the students really respond to the material I bring in. The bad work allows them to understand what not to do and the good work gives them something to aspire to.
Hi Patricia- Almost everyone can learn to adapt to various styles. Your question about how soon children can do this is interesting and I will do some research to see if anyone has looked at this. I'll get back to you asap! Best wishes- Susan
Hi Lynn- Thanks for your post to the forum. Using illustrations as you lecture if great and drawing them as you lecture is particularly effective. I always caution new instructors though to be careful not to keep their back to the class for too long. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
I have a granddaughter who is a visual learning, so has been determined and she likes video gamss. They work very well for her learning tactics. We haven't found a lot of education videos specific to math but she has beaten me a time or two on the few that we have been using. Although I understand that people are individual in the learning when you begin early enough can you get a child to develop skills in all learning discipines?
