I adapt my instructional strategy based upon the apparent skill level of the student; add or tone back on information so that the students are receiving the true point of information need to understand the main points. At times it is hard to do because you feel that more information you give them they should take it in better, yet at times it is an overload of info and the process of the application is clouded for some.
As an instructor you must be receptive to the students needs and adapt to those needs.
Sameena,
Critical thinking and problem solving are two essential elements of career success. The more opportunities we can provide students to develop these abilities the better.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Instead of struggling, students develop solution oriented approach. This helps them in the class, in the pursuit of successful career and overall in life according to the definition of learning, "Learning brings in change."
Sameena,
This is a good approach to instructional planning because you are bringing a variety of learning opportunities to the classroom and these opportunities then can be used by the students. This gets them engaged in the learning process.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I am a firm believer that I am teaching group of students but everyone of them carries a unique personality. Everyone has strengths and weaknesses. My job as a couch is to work on their strengths. That is going to improve their self image and they will do whatever it takes to elevate themselves according to the expectations of their high self image.
For example, if someone is strong in reading and conducting research but weak in learning thru lectures only, I would give him/her some critical thinking or research question and ask him/her to come with an answer and I'll do my own research and we will see what can we learn from each other.This is a reason, I incorporate every strategy in my lectures, like lecture(audio), power points/video (visual)and hands on.
I design my instructions by taking into consideration the students past experiences and the level of their motivation.My goal is for the students to attain their goals and acheive success
Bret,
This environment things really contribute to the subtle learning process so experiment with them and see which ones are most effective with your students.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
This is an excellent question. One thing I am learning from this class is that students have different ways of learning-auditory, kinesthetic, visual. So, one thought is to use peripheral materials such as posters and inspirational statements. Also, I now think music could enhance learning. I had not really thought about using these techniques before taking this course.
Tom,
What are some ways that you have done this that have been successful for you?
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I try to adapt to the student's learning. It is best to vary
methods to adapt to different student's needs.
Frank,
Well said. This knowledge will help in planning the instructional delivery methods that will target your students.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
by understanding how the brain processes information one can teach subject matter with a higher degree of success.
Florita,
I am excited to hear about the strategies you are going to use as a result of knowing how to approach your students from different angles to get them engaged and focused on learning.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
My instructional strategy is varied due to the setting that I find myself in at the community college. First language other than English causes distortion that native English-speakers don't find themselves in. Because of various educational styles in their countries of origin, the students that sit in my classroom have a somewhat different approach to the information presented. Their first language is sometimes a filter that misfires at times, causing some to hear a different message than what I am teaching. I seek much feedback to make sure that each is "getting it" including homework information. Still there are distortion problems.
In understanding HOW my students learn, I can modify my instructional style to incorporate various sensory (and thus learning) modalities. Most classes are mixed in their learning styles, so I try to appeal to multiple styles within a lecture. First, I may discuss a topic while students take notes on it, then I may explain the same concept utilizing a textbook figure on the overhead. If it is still unclear, I usually map it out on the whiteboard in different colors, while I have students do the same on paper. I encourage questions as we go through this process, which usually helps students in processing the information.
The basics of learning benefit me as an instructor, by using what I have learned and experienced in life and during my work in the field as tools or examples in addition to what I am teaching students.
I adapt my instructional srategies/teaching methods as a result of understanding how the brain functions and how learnng occurs, by storing information short-term, or long-term depending of what is important , and retrieving info and knowledge when needed, and using this for my own ability or teaching methods.
Learning is a process. The environment we are surrounded with, as well the people involved in our lives, contribute a great deal to the learning process of an individual.
Isleen,
Good point about getting to know students at a level where you understand what their needs are and why they are in school. This is important information to use when you are doing your instructional planning.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
It helps me to understand that everyone learns differently and it starts from the early stages of life. Everyone learns differently and if you talk to your students, you will learn what helps them to learn and be a better student.
I would get to know my students by taking a day or so and asking basic questions, just get topics going and maybe ask them what helps them to keep their attention to class. By knowing that, you will see what makes them tick and gets them going and what helps them learn and retain information that I am teaching them. I never knew that learning about the brain and how we learn was so interesting. There's more to it than people think, and understanding it helps a lot.
It will keep what I use to get information across relevant and useful to the student.
