i use the case study method to teach the pathophysiology part of A&P. i hand out a patient care scenario and have the students review the role of pharmacotherapy in the situation.When it is applied to the real world my students are much more interested in working out answers.
I can help them by providing opportunities for them to practice what they have learned as soon as possible.
Oftentimes, I find some students who have trouble with the techniques I'm teaching will learn better from other students. Learning from a peer tends to eliminate any sense of intimidation or negative attitudes/mental blocks the student might be having. It also helps give the student teaching a more concrete understanding of the material and boosts their self-esteem.
I am astounded how quickly they must absord, analyze, and organiza new material. Have you played any of the popular video games lately. They must absorb new information at an awesome speed. Do you text? Yes, they can absorb it, but we instructors must give them permission to absorb it faster than we can deliver it.
Try different method of deliveries
For each class, the students have the curriculum, I explain what they will be learning that day, I have a demonstration and then they practice what I have just showed them. I will answer questions and give examples of applying those skills in a professional environment and then give them a review before an exam. The students do really well with this method.
Stephanie,
Good way to "connect the dots" between a foundational course like English and their field. They have to see the value of the course before they will invest. The more examples you can share with them the more they will be engaged in the application of effective communication.
Gary
Teaching English, I tell students the only way to learn to write is to write. I use frequent written in-class and homework assignments to reinforce course material and to give students the opportunity to apply new writing skills. I use as much group work as I can to help students discuss practical applications of material and use scenarios whenever possible. We spend a lot of time discussing how elements of their required writing assignments apply to aspects of their career fields. I also rely on repetition to help reinforce content.
One way to help students retain and apply new knowledge is by drawing on their own personal experiences that demonstrate what you are teaching. When students can relate the lesson to a situation from their past, it is more likely to sink in and stick. Hands-on experience is a great way to help students apply their knowledge. Demonstrations that allow students to actually practice what they are learning will definitely help them retain their new skills.
In several projects within my courses they are asked to relate the topic to their experiences. I use my past experiences when introducing new concepts. I have found that it assists to accept the information quicker and remove doubt that often adult learners have upon learning new topics.
Sherry,
Good way to coordinate different learning preferences into your approach. This way the students have varied opportunities to acquire the knowledge and skills required.
Gary
I teach clinical classes so I demonstrate a skill, have the students practice in small groups, then finally return the demonstration to me 1:1. In addition, I have students complete a lab practicum whereby they have to identify equipment used for specific procedures. These steps have proven effective in clinical classes.
Samantha,
Good point about repetition and utilization of newly acquired content. You are helping the content become real to the students through their application sessions in the lab.
Gary
I help students retain new information by repition. I believe that repitition is the key to successfully retaining new information. Also, application. Applying the new information ina skill set also helps to retain the information.
I feel lucky on this one. My lecture are one day a week and then they are all hands on in lab the other. So, everything we are learning we are doing. I think though the biggest thing is to keep it the same, not making changes in what they have already learned. Repetition is key!
No the students personal circumstances, geols. experiencas and learning skill
Allison,
Important point that you make. We need to strive to help them make that connection because once they do they will start to see the value of what they are being asked to learn.
Gary
Relate to personal experiences or to something they value
I find word play (acronyms, mnemonics, anagrams) to be fun and useful methods of retaining new information. I also like to review prior material taught by asking the students to "tell me what I need to know" as I write their comments on the board. In addition, working through textbook exercises together, and then modifying them to allow the students to work independently, reinforces a new concept.
Review and repeat, incorporate into projects, and related to real world applications.
