I find that by moving around the classroom while discussing a topic gives EVERYONE a chance to feel part of the discussion, no matter where one is seated. So, movement by instructor is best. Let's get up off our chairs and STAND tall.
Poster in the class room, writing on the board and computers for hands on application by problems of accounting and finance could enhance learning environment.
Using visuals with PPTs could be that the visual on the board is the opening ideas of the day, a quote or phrase to focus the day's attention on. The color in the way the phrase is presented, using a backdrop of a picture or graphic. Background sound to enhance the ideas being presented with the topics.
Other techniques I use now is colored dry erase markers when expressing ideas on the board. Keeping colors to one train of thought, then changing colors with the next concept.
Currently I encourage my students to use multiple colored highlighters during lecture to keep track of the ideas presented, and take notes that relate the the topics as they are presented. They use another color when doing end of the chapter questions, and yet another color for key terms as they are defined in the text and during lecture. It is the crossing over of colors that helps them identify key concepts to study for their final exams.
Thank you,
Lori Hules
renita,
I like the way you use colors as it helps set the standard for the students & they know where to put the information in their heads based on color.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Hank,
this is a great idea as it can be motivating & incorporates the class material into the lecture/discussion.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I am teaching a Powerpoint class now and will be taking the first screen from each presentation and putting them on poster boards to display each class. I am thinking that everyone will enjoy seeing there work and will be motivated to do a good job on their projects.
Most of my teaching in now done with myitlab, a computer software program that student’s work on presentations, and projects to achieve their learning objectives. Color schemes are incorporated into the programs but I never thought how much the choices of color make a difference in the learning. Another element I just thought of was the person who reads the instructions has a very clear distinctive voice that is easy to understand and listen too.
It depends on the students and topics of the class. For instance, my english professor used to play music themes from the series Twin Peaks during our creative writing sessions. I've had students draw examples, write out timelines, and practice spelling of terms using dry erase markers. When organizing information, I often color coordinate them: purple - important people; green equations/dosages; blue - listing or comparisons. I also suggest this when highlighting during reading, but stress not to overdo it or else it won't be of any help.
There were many suggestions in the reading that can be used such as using blue because it calms. The visuals can be the student's work--because no matter the age, students like to see their work shown to others. I have used this technique before in a PowerPoint project that I put on display at the beginning of class with the students previous assignments displaying. It also helped to curve the tardiness of students, because they wanted to be there when the other students saw their work. Seating has some good qualities also, but in computer classes, they are usually already set up and we are not able to re-arrange the lab. I loved the portion on music, because I heard it before and believe that it would work. I especially like that the students are entering on a calm and positive note.
I have never really thought about using either colors or music to enhance the learning process. I have known for a long time the value of mental stimulation of them but have never thought of incorporating them into my classroom. I am looking forward to finding new ways to integrate peripheral learning techniques and enhancing my students learning experience.
LaToya,
great points here. I especially like your last point regarding knowing our individual classes & students & how this changes from section to section or term to term.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Our classrooms are already arranged well for seating, but I would like to incorporate color and music. Are there any products out there that would make hanging up/taking down posters, etc. easier without damaging the walls?
Displaying color and artful posted related to the class learning is a positive way to implement learning. I think that adding a sense of humor to learning can be informative and fun at the same time. Displaying something that all students can relate to help get the message across in learning. A class should be full of excitment and motivational, therefore music in some cases is not a bad idea. Although it sooths some learning and help then focus in class while working, on the other hand, it may distract others. As an educator, we must keep in mind what's best for all students.
Brant,
these are great suggestions. I especially like the idea of selecting a different color for grading.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I might try making the homework sheets colored. I work in an art school and color is every where so sometimes white is best!
Music seems to work best when they can listen to their own with a earbud in one ear.
Improving the learning environment for the students through the use of visual aids and music; changing the exams from white paper to a light grey and not grading in red may reduce test anxiety.
Fay,
these are all great suggestions for incorporating the multi-sensory ideas into the classroom.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
You could try using different colors in your powerpoints, different color paper for handouts, have the tables in a circle if you are having a classroom discussion.
I was thinking I could bring some scented sprays to class and spray during break. If it helps keep students awake at the end of the day then maybe we can get the automatic sprayers installed.
carla,
these are great ways to adapt to the content & to keep it as interesting as possible.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
