Examples, Experiences, and Analogies
In my classes I always try to use examples to get my points across. I use own experiences in the workplace to share with my students. I also try to use analogies so that they can use them to relate to the points being taught. It is really amazing how much these things work and make the students understand what you are trying to emphasize.
I like to engage the students by encouraging them to share their knowledge and experiences that relate to the topic. When students are able to make a connection between the new information and past experiences, retention improves.
The one danger I've found in presenting experiences is that it can eat up a lot of lecture time. I've learned to be mindful of the number/length of experiences I discuss. I've had some of my most enthusiastic classes center around a small portion of the intended class content.
As discussed in the previous training module, episodic memory tends to be stronger and providing case studies and other stories from professional experiences helps to elucidate the main focus point of the lecture as well as seems to enhance retention of that information.
I have "borrowed" techniques from previous professors that have stood the test of time and still stand out in my mind as though they occurred yesterday rather than almost ten (!) years ago.
One professor, teaching social psychology showed up for the lecture wearing pajama pants and a ratty t-shirt, a notable difference from his typical button down and slacks. He went on to then curse during the beginning of the lecture, answer his cell-phone and engaged in other atypical behaviors-- turns out his doing so was to introduce the idea of group norms. While I am not as brazen as he, I have toned down his approach and used it in the psychology course I teach and it seems quite effective.
As most of our students are furthering their education in pursuit of a new vocational direction, finding the relevance of the material to whatever field of study they are in is essential. I think it helps increase motivation and seeing how these tools and techniques will be applied down the road is a great bolster to class morale.
In closing, I think the teacher is the most effective tool in the classroom and our experiences, expertise, and knowledge of the field can suprass even the best textbooks, most brilliant powerpoint presentations,and most life like models-- if effective use of self is a skill the teacher has worked to develop.
Hi Stacy!
Anytime an instructor or classmate provides examples, experiences or analogies learning is enhanced. Because of the use of technology, I am concerned that students want see the value of being in a classroom or that instructors will become very sterile in their teaching techniques and we will loose the opportunity to share life expereinces.
Good job!
Jane Davis
Ed106 facilitator
I agree 100%. Fun anecdotes or analogies that make the material relative and interesting makes it more memorable and the students love it.
Absolutely! Students want to know how what you are teaching them today may be applied tomorrow. By sharing anecdotes, you not only give them the example they need to make that real-life connection, you also allow for a break from the lecture so they can refocus their minds.
Hi Robert!
Having been a working adult/non-traditional student, I am very supportive of experiential learning. Texts provide the theory but it's the real life experiences that puts the theory into action.
Good job!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
I agree with the concept of sharing your own expereience. I like to not only share my conceptual experiences but because I teach physical therapy concepts I actually demonstrate what the patient's behavior looked like. Then I engage students that have similar experience to get up and demonstrate their patient movement, cognitive and social behaviors. I notice that the class as a whole will focus more on examples from their own classmates.
I totally agree with you! I know that hearing examples, experiences, and analogies helps me retain information! I also think that telling personal experiences related to the field helps students know what kinds of situations they may expect and they can use my story to help them know how to/not to respond. Humorous anecdotes can also help important points stick in their minds.
