Examples can help relate the course content to the real world and how the lesson will come into play. If you dont use some examples of how the lessons apply to life, then the learners will not think it is important. Then you are just wasting there time and yours, because most of the content will then be forgoten.
real world examples of relating information help students to understand and remember points of interest
Absolutely!
Good job!
Jane Davis
Ed106 Facilitator
Hi Dennis!
I totally agree and instructors should allow the adult learner to share their experiences. As we know, experience gives all of us many worthwhile lesstons.
Good job!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
Also, by using a variety of teaching methods: examples and theory you are reinforcing exactly what you are trying to get across.
In addition to making the lecture interesting, using memorable examples truly helps to soldiify information. For example, using story problems as opposed to just numbers, helps students understand what exactly they are trying to solve (say algebra story problems?)
I have found that students really enjoy hearing stories and experiences from working in the industry - it seems to re-capture their attention and drive home the point!
Adult learners like to see a practical application they can readily apply. They already have experience. They are looking for things that build upon skills they have and can implement in a timely fashion.
I love using memorable examples in class lecture. If I can provide an example that
creates a picture in the student's mind, evokes a memory of a sound, emotion or even of a smell,I can usually see the student's "light bulb" come on.
Hi Linda!
Experiental learning verse academic learning? I certainly believe that academic learning is important but as the saying goes "experience is the best teacher".
Good job!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
Hi Sandy!
It also helps students to associate the classroom learning to real world.
Good job!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
This is giving them real-life scenarios; which excites them about their future in their desired field. Also, this allows your students to see and hear how your enjoyed the field they are about to enter.
From childhood, we all like a good story; examples are wonderful ways of connecting the learning to shared events. The instructor who has multiple examples will keep the students involved and successfully learning. These examples are shared and passed down as the student becomes the teacher.
DEFINITELY!! Students always appreciate when I bring some of my most interesting cases to the class discussion. Sometimes, they are so into it that is difficult to go back to the main discussion, but is always a good way to engage the students.
I think this adds to the student understanding and retention of the topic. It helps by telling stories that relate to the experience and/or concept.
They make it "real" for the students. During lecture it is like a "pretend" mode for the students, it's more of a book they are reading. When we give examples it turns into reality for the students.
Lisa -
I agree! I have had so many students tell me of situations that have arose in clinic and they remembered an example I gave them during class and they knew exactly how they should handle the situation.
Examples are what make it interesting for the students. I can lecture all day long on a topic and some students will leave class and cannot remember what the lecture was on. When I use "real life" examples I have drawn them in! There are a lot of times that the students do not even want a break they want to hear the examples. It also creates such a good discussion forum in class. Students don't ever want to talk in class except for those 1 or 2 students that always ask the question and answer all the questions that I ask. When there is an example my meekest student will even respond.
I definitely see this as beneficial, especially with adult learners. It is also great for dialogue when you see someone nodding their head in class it stimulates conversations with those that have similar experiences.
It is easier to remember something if you can relate to it
