Simulation is key
I teach recording arts and the best way for students to understand the rhythm and work flow of a studio is to be in one.
I usually assign different roles to students and give them a dead line for a certain amount of work, this way students can see and understand the roll that they wil fill once they are done wit school.
Josette,
this is an excellent point & a great example of where both types of learning & practice are needed. Just like someone learning to fly tries it out in the simulator first, then they can take it up in the air.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I also teach Surgical Technology. Although I agree that simulation in the lab is key to the student understanding there is no possible way to make the lab experience as accurate as the real thing. I feel that the externship (in my program it is 432hrs, 8hrs/day for 12 weeks) is an invaluable component to the program. The student however does need to practice these skills on a manikins before I would ever turn them loose on the public !
hands on is definetly the way to go in my field because the more time you can do something over and over the better you get but if I just tell you to do it with out me taking the time to show you how it is supposed to be done but once I get you in there and show you you will pick it up faster with out me leaving you guessing
Yes, I also use the lab with great success in motivating the students. As phlebotomy students they need hands on as much as classroom activity. The fake arms which "bleed" are great fun and invokes critical thinking.
Lori,
and I feel this is where we can really engage the students & get them interested in the subject matter as well.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Teaching in a culinary school it would be insane to think I could have the same outcome of learning without simulation. In every class whether it cooking or in a general education class simulation is a must to link real world cases to make the material relevant.
Believe it or not, simulation is also the key to mixology! I teach bartending skills as part of the curriculum in my program and it really clicks for students get to apply all of the theory they learn in lecture to actually mixing faux cocktails at our mock bar.
Cheers,
Steve Baker
I teach Dental Hygiene and I lecture the material with the instruments and manikin in front of them. I have them pick up the instrument we are discussing to view. Then we practice how to adapt it to the manikin. This works pretty well to be able to hear and see it.
Dr. Meers,
I teach medical assisting hands-on classes and simulation is the key. Simulating allows the student to practice a skill first before actually performing it on a live body e.g. a venipuncture. This is also a safety feature used when teaching hands-on skills.
christie,
and following up with a debrief on these activities is a great way to ensure that the students have cemented the learning we wanted them to get.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I agree also. I teach the Surgical Technology program. We have 2 mock OR rooms available to put them (students) into action.. It really helps them understand each role played in the OR..
Andres,
yes, in these type of fields the hands on experience is vital & key to helping them understand what is needed.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
