Effective Examples
I've found that the more I can make my examples funny or goofy, the more students will remember and use them. For instance, when I explain the vocabulary word "ostracize," I tell my class to picture Oswald the Ostracized Ostrich who is excluded by the other birds because. I'm AMAZED at how many people remember such a silly example! Plus, the alliteration in the example makes it more catchy and thereby memorable.
Pat,
it really is amazing how the students seem to really engage with these stories & they really do help the information & details to sink in better.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I find using stories from my past, "old-time" sayngs and jokes, almost always will get students' attention and they will in turn have more to say.
Steven,
this is very true & I have found often helps make them more prepared to learn.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I believe in self deprecating humor. Students like it when I can make light of something using a situation that makes them life, sometimes at my own expense. Students seem to believe that I am more "real" when I share silly experiences with them.
Ronald,
I would agree & it is also a great way to demonstrate our humanity to our students & to show them we are approachable.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Humor in the classroom is really under appreciated. If I can get my students to laugh while learning, they retain more, they enjoy coming to class, and they become much more interested in the subject area.
robbin,
this is a great technique & these little techniques really can help students retain the information better.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I find that using items that look similar to definitions of hard to remember but relevant words help make for a very effective example. example: a pearl necklace (streptococcus) both pertain to the neck and throat area.
Christa,
yes, these little tricks really do help with retention, whether a story, rhyme, alliteration, etc.
Dr. Ryan Meers
