I like the idea of using more visuals; however, the environment that I am teaching in does not really allow for much variation. The wall colors, for instance, are drab, and the students do notice and say they put them in a bad mood. I have no say however. The seating arrangement may be more flexible, and I will try the v shape student seating pattern.
I'm in the process of getting some nice framed posters made for the classroom. I like the thought of using music and am going to try it again. I used to use music years ago but I don't think I really considered the advantages to my learners.
I show slides on powerpoint with color, I also bring in samples of the subject area in color. I plan on playing classical music of the period we are studying as the students enter the room.
The classrooms at the school I teach are shared by more than one instructor at different times during the same day. I find it hard to change the appearance. The tables are straight and in rows with computers that used during lecture and exercises. We do use different color penciles for circuits to identify powers and grounds and the overhead presentations are in color.
Wow!!! Thats a good idea, never use multi colors in my classroom, maybe i will now and see the difference....thanks a lot and it make sense.
alot of our training aids are layer painted on the cutaways they seem to attract the students much more than a complete units they pay better attention to what makes it work.
alot of our training aids are layer painted on the cutaways they seem to attract the students much more than a complete units they pay better attention to what makes it work.
One example is wearing certain colors. Putting up posters that are relavant on the walls. Having some music in the back ground
Motivational posters and student possters can create a positive environment. Color and music also can motivate students. Creating seating that gives students access to the instructor and makes them feel welcome also helps in the learning environment.
I use different color slides and fonts in the PPT's. I have not used colored coded paper for anything, but I am truly going to try it.
Colored markers and large poster post-it pads can be utilized for students to participate in the lecture material. The instructor can divide the class into small groups, who can discuss lecture material and list key notes. Meditation music can be used at the beginning of class to calm the class and have them focus on learning. Upbeat music can be used while students are workign together in groups.
Seating can be changed to accommodate individuals and also small groups. When the learning environment is changed up, then students can have a more engaging learning experience. Large Post-it type Paper Pads can be used and hung around the walls so students can write down key ideas in colored markers that pertain to the lecture topic. Meditative music can play at the beginning of a class to de-stress students.
I will use color diagrams to illustrate the pertinent anatomy and a National Geographic video illustrating the 5 senses and the related emotions eminating from specific areas of the brain. Any other sources someone has to offer?AKrentzman
We have been using color and posters and many different sensory learning techniques but it was interesting about the use of music. I want to experiment with my students who are having a hard time decreasing their anxiety by using the alpha music idea. I will try to encourage them to use some music when they are reading homework and preparing their daily assignments. I was also impressed by the different colors that should be used or avoided.
Teaching a very hands on class that deals with naturally colorful objects (food) we already use alot of visual aids as part of our day to day work. For lecture classes I attempt to use visual aids such as pictures of video to provide a second example of the topics we are covering. Seating is not fully an issue since our students are at workstations which are arranged to enable professional workflow.
In my classroom, I use board markers of nearly every color and the students enjoy it. Since we are primarily in a computer lab that cannot be rearranged, I ask the students to turn off their monitors during lectures and discussions to avoid distraction.
I try to create change each day, at first it kind of gives them an "unsure" feeling but then I hear "what are we going to do today" or "whats up with this" and my response is look around and see if you can guess right your guess on paper turn it in and the one that is the closest will win a prize. and its fun because it brings on a lot of discussion before class, starts to engage their brain.
All of the ideas presented in this module sound great. However, being a clinical instructor, and given the fact that we do not have a consistent place to have any of our discussions, makes it difficult to implement these tricks for improving the learning environment.
I usually give handouts meant to supplement and reinforce what students are learning in lecture, which I may consider giving in different colors from now on. The other ideas such as hanging peripherals/visuals, seating arrangements and music may be a little more difficult to apply to the clinical setting, but I will definitely give it some thought!
I am really enjoying this class - neat things to think about.
I use colours when it comes to graphic organizers. Chunking information by colour often helps the students retain the information more.
When I write lines of info on the board, I try to alter the colours so that the students' eyes don't jump from line to line and they can follow the points easier.
I teach English and in giving the students strategies to build vocabulary, I review the five senses and use these senses as a means to push vocabulary. I bake something, have the kids describe what they see, what they smell, how it tastes, how the dishes sound clanging against each other, etc. Here, it is a lived strategy to build vocab and helps them see how thinking of the reader and their senses can guide a more descriptive vocab. I'm sure that having food is an easy way for them to retain the info - let's be clear! :)
The school provides 3-4 different colored markers. I will advise tehm to only purchase black due to the knowledge from this course. Every little bit helps.
