I agree that the delivery and content of the lectures increases a students motivation to become more engaged in the class. This process helps the student's retention as well.
Adult learners are the most challenging therefore, I try to always incorporate skill-building with applied application.
Monica,
This approach gives balance to the delivery of content and application. Students like variety and change of pace so the more you can make that happen the more engagement you will have.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I would definitely minimize the amount of time I spent lecturing to about 20 minute intervals so that my students would not loose interest. Then I would do a quick assessment of the material that was covered. To confirm that my students comprehends what was conveyed.
Based on the assessment if other methods was needed I would repeat the lesson / lecture using another format maybe using visual aid: power-point slides with a printed handout for additional note taking etc. I would repeat the material although allowing a pause in between for Q/A time.
Monica,
I think you will enjoy much success with this approach. Your students will increase their engagement as a result of the integration of both concrete and abstract concepts in relation to their own life experiences.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Base upon this module I will slightly change my instructional strategy to incorporate a combination of concrete and abstract teaching methodologies.
Most students memory is from episodes and events that occurred in their life whether negative or positive. Therefore, If I combine both concrete ; using the five senses and abstract; a meshing of thoughts and ideas; I am creating a learning environment that motivates to the students therefor, enhancing their learning experience.
I've learned to better recognize the learning styles of my nursing students, especially the auditory learners. One student in my class would hardly take notes as I spoke and would just stare at me quite intently. She is a good student, but I couldn't figure out why she would just stare at me like that. I would often ask her if she was paying attention since to me her gaze almost seemed like daydreaming. But then I came to realize that she is an auditory leaner, which she confirmed. Wow! I was amazed.
Seth,
You have a good understanding and approach to using the different processing channels of students. Your strategies will help them to move from the concrete to the abstract in a sequence that makes sense and is comfortable for the students.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
It can take some time to get to know your students well enough to tailor teaching methods to their specific needs, especially when the course is pre-structured and the course load is intense, so I have found that applying my understanding of how learning is accomplished right away is invaluable. Presenting material orally with some sort of visual, providing cues as to what definitely needs be retained, and providing time for hands on application as well as discussion is invaluable. Discussion often helps learners relate the material to future needs or past experiences which helps them keep it in long-term memory. As soon as possible however, I try to uncover the specific learning challenges and strengths of each student and find ways for them to help each other.
Understanding the basics of learning will benefit me as an instructor by assisting me in developing a more comprehensive approach to disseminating class content. An appreciation for and an understanding of concrete vs. abstract thinking, multiple intelligences, and scaffolding techniques help to make me a more effective instructor. In my instruction of Wine and Beverage, the deliberate effort to explore wine on multiple levels of learning will make for a better learning experience for the students and help them in transferring their new wine knowledge into long-term practical application.
I sometimes favor one instructional strategy over another and don't even realize it until a few students seem to be falling behind I hope after this module I can overcome this problem in the begining of class rather than after seeing the effects of it first
Daisy,
The more you can learn about the learning preferences of your students the better. I like the way you approach gaining this information and then using it for your instructional planning.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I make a concious effort to employ the use of a variety of teaching methods as a strategy to reach each student.
At the beginning of each class I have all my students participate in a learning exercise to determine which type of learning experience will best fit their style.I usually use visual, audio, and hands on during all my presentations and demonstration and at the end of the day all my power points are posted for every student to view. This method usually works but at times I do have to switch around my teaching techniques.
I try to deliver my lessons in the most diverse way possible, utilizing visual aides such as video monitors and the whiteboard, as well as at times having students actually help with my demonstrations.
Understanding the uniqueness of each learners brain and memory will help me to ascertain where they are approaching learning from and allow me to formulate a more personal model from which to learn the concepts of my courses.
Lenore,
I think your thinking is right on. They need to establish a basic skill set and then they can progress to the more abstract concepts and expressions. It is a building process as you know and your approach helps them make the progress that is needed to be successful.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
One of my "pet peeves" is that students do not follow insructions. I now realize that I need to give them a "sampling" instead of my assuming that they "get it". In my English Comp class the students learn the characterics of writing in different styles (concrete) then I have them write an essay using those characterics (application/critical thinking); I feel this is using the "brain space" theory.
Craig,
Good strategy to follow. I know this will benefit all of your students as a result of your efforts to reach specific students.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Lisa,
One of the challenges and joys of being an instructor is meeting the different learning needs that exist. It is such a great feeling when we are able to zero in on a student and really target the needed learning pathway and see success. This is a "ah-ha" moment.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Hello Dr. Meers, by understanding the basics of learning I will adapt my teaching strategy to each student as well as possible due to the fact that I deal with a wide range when it comes to age of my students. however what I will do is to adapt what I learned when it comes to a student having trouble learning and dependant on the age group now I will be able to taylor my teaching skills to the students learning strategy. Craig
