Keeping Students Engaged-Learning Exercises?
Any suggestions for learning exercises to further understanding of key concepts?
Perhaps pick up a few questions from their chapter review and count it as credit for part of homework but only if they all as a team engage in discussing the answers. It always motivates them to help them find their answers towards homework, especially if they have a lot of it.
Depending on the layout of your classroom and course being taught, there are several types of exercises I have found useful;
Group exercises offer a "friendly" environment where students get know each other, develop better decision-making skills, learn to deal with conflict more effectively, and feel part of the classroom team. Games where content knowledge is tested in a fun atmosphere can also help understanding. The competitive nature of a game helps students to dig deep within themselves and think outside of the box.
Problem challenges can also be useful. Pose a problem that is related to the topic and requires students to critically think to arrive at the correct answer. Give them some incentive to be the first to arrive at the correct response (some prize or award).
Regardless of the technique used to help students understand concepts, I would recommend that you mix it up and not rely on repetition - as this will quickly be construed as boring. Try different things and keep your students engaged...
Hi Jeanine -
One thought I had to reinforce key concepts is to first identify them. Use the class to start a discussion. After the concepts are identified, again ask the class how they could best demonstrate their knowledge. Different students will have different ideas about how they would like to demonstrate new concepts. The key is that given a choice on how to demonstrate mastery will likely invoke enthusiasm that the entire class can benefit from.
Jeanine,
I've found that often a case study or some kind of simulation is a great way to solidify those concepts.
Dr. Ryan Meers
