Kim,
this is a great idea as it can keep them guessing & more ready to come to class. Have you tried associating the different colors with different topics?
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I agree it is all up to the class of students that you have.Use what works for that class of students.I always say if it works keep useing it
I usually use a different color everyday on the white board. I like the change and I feel the students like it and are more likely to read what is written on the board. They seem to be more engaged and ask more questions.
Kelly,
this really is a great, but cost-effective way of keeping the students attention & even helping a variety of learners.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I use a lot of pictures in my power points. I think it helps to give the student visuals and also helps them remember where they were during a lecture to review their notes.
david,
this is an excellent way to utilize the setting as well as to help your students learn certain routines so they are engaged in the efficiency to get to the learning.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Pamela,
this is an excellent synopsis of the key point: the course or subject matter really must be considered in any of these situations.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
As a technicial college instructor we have a number of different environments to use to try keep students envolved.I have two white boards in my classroom that I use,one for weekly assignments chapters,reviews,tests,as well as up coming events.and the other one for current or daily material we are covering. using different colored markers for each, students have learned to know whats what without having to ask or be told
Depending on the course that is being taught determines the atmosphere you want to set. And with myself being a cosmetology instructor I feel the seting visual should bright colors. Music should be relaxing and mild tempo. Also really nice supplies that are up to date.
Leslie,
your post demonstrates the thought & care that should go into all of our planning & the use of these techniques.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
IDA,
yes, we have to consider our individual environments. I would say the hospital itself provides a very multi-sensory environment & the use of those different experiences is very helpful.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I have known about the effectiveness of color, visuals, and creative supplies in the classroom. I really like the idea of aromatherapy to increase alertness and to calm students during review and testing. I also like the idea of music. I know that as I am working around my house, I am much more effective and active when I am listening to music. Changing the music and picking exactly when to use it is the key. I know that I cannot listen to certain music when I am reading because it distracts me. I can see how we can improve student learning and increase retention with lots of different stimulants that will help them link the learning with emotions.
I work in a hospital environment, and it is difficult to make any changes in the environment. I do try to expose the students to different areas of the hospital for different experiences that can be discussed later
This is a new concept for me and will take some time to think about. I do like the idea of dirrerent colored paper for different assignments and will take advantage of that medium immediately. We have been asked not to use music in class by administration, so that idea may not work, but this has given me some other smaller ideas to try. Mindy Smith
A lot depends on the type of class and the type of environment you're teaching in, including how much control you actually have over the physical environment. Most of the classrooms I teach in are computer labs with set desk and seating arrangements that can't be changed, and you aren't allowed to do anything with the walls, but there are still other things that can be done with colors, visual aids and music, especially as a part of the class itself. I like to play music while the students are working on in-class projects, unless of course, they are audio projects.
Robert,
the use of different colors is a great way to set various ideas or topics apart from others.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I like the idea of wall chart in multi color, also demo/cutaways painted incontrastingcolor help a lot. also using different color markers seem to bring the subject out more when using the white board.
Timothy,
and part of it is using the different colors even in visual aids or in handouts.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Timothy,
and part of it is using the different colors even in visual aids or in handouts.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I have to give more attention to color in my classroom. I was surprised to fine out that powerpoint presentations were more effective with black print on a white background
