I think that “teaching†has evolved substantially in the last 50 years, if not more. College instructors in the past were rarely questioned and there was always a sort of “barrier†with the students. However with the developing of new technologies in media and communications, the so called “globalization†was accomplished and the knowledge is spread out more rapidly than ever before so its availability is easier and faster to get. Therefore instructors can share information and communicate easier with the students and communicate better on a variety of issues that will enable both parties to develop a better connection and rapport with each other.
I feel it is very important to have the students apply and use their knowledge as soon as possible and this will help with retention and also help them understand and make associations to what they have learned.
I make sure that I present the most revelent and current instructional material available.
The texbook should be no older that three years from the current year.
I teach mathematics so retention is an issue. Some students can simply memorize the mechanics of solving problems without actual comprehension. i see two ways for me to assist retention. First, use many examples of how the technique applies to the real world. Making it real and applicable clearly assists in retention. Second, is through the use of an online s/w homework package (say MML or ALEKs). These packages help with the learning and retention of the material over just assigning 20 problems from the end of the section. The package can help them through the problem and then, once they can do the problem, they move to the next problem. This is much better than doing 20 differnt problems once.
Present it in other ways. Make it realistic to them and apply it to everyday situations. also bring in guest speakers. I use alot of youtube to introduce things that are new,
Relate the new material to something that they are already familiar with, and explain how they can now apply their knowledge and do something different with it. In our Data Communications and Cisco Routing classes, we cover a lot a material dealing with networking and routing. When student learn that they can apply their knowledge to the same equipment they already have at home, or can easily afford, they are excited to run home and try it. It is so wonderful to see them return to class and explain what they did, and witness their excitement. This is when the learning bug becomes righteously contageous, encourging others to "get with the program".
To help students retain and apply new information I try to have them use the new information as close to learning the information as possible. Applying the information shifts the memory from short-term to long term. Also many students do not actually learn the material unilt they apply it themsleves.
To initially help retain information, it is easy to do a 2 minute summary or 20 word summary on index cards after 15-20 minutes of instruction. These activities may count as in class assignments and keep the students paying attention during instruction. Also when learning is chunked into smaller, more managable, sections, this tool increases initial retention. Graphic organizers help to group concepts and ideas into a visual manner.
What do other instructors use to retain and apply information?
When teaching new material and reviewing prior material, it is helpful to relate the material to the students in ways of stories or real life experiences. This can be done on behalf of the instructor or using the students experiences who volunteer to share. I have found that the students enjoy using their own personal experiences when explaining what they are learning or how something relates to them within the classroom. It helps make the material more meaningful and also helps them apply the information in a constructive way. There are also many tricks that you can teach the students. If a student is struggling with the memorization of an important formula, you can teach them Mnemonics in order for them to remember the steps.
I have found that it is helpful for the students to learn and understand the best way that they are able to learn new information. I utilize the multiple intelligence theory in my classroom and do a quick lecture on what it is and the different intelligences. Then I have the students take an online assessment so they obtain a semi accurate evaluation of the strengths that they have. Then I give them examples of ways that they learn best and tips on how to study so that they are able to get the most out of their learning experience.
Hi Jennifer,
The involvement of the different mind/body areas reinforces what is to be learned as well as increased retention of knowledge. Your approach gives them opportunities to store the new information in their working memories for later use.
Gary
I find it very helpful to have a hands on time for each new thing learned. I teach in the medical field, so as I teach new treatments, I find the students retain the proper technigue and theory if they physically practive on one another.
Hi Phuong,
So true. They get to make application of their newly acquired knowledge and as a result they retain the content at a much higher level.
Gary
What helps the student applied and retain new information is by constantly asking them questions about the topic.
Hi John,
Good points. I agree with you in terms of immediate use of newly acquired knowledge. This is what it is all about and for sure it keeps the motivation level high for the students.
Gary
Hi Daniel,
Welcome to teaching. I wish you much success and an educator. The strategies you are using sound good and I know you are engaging your students in the learning process. Keep up the good work and before long you are going to an instructional delivery expert.
Gary
To me, the subject of this thread says it all. The surest way to improve retention of new knowledge is to immediately provide means to apply that knowledge. In the automotive tech sector it seems to me that a large percentage of the students are here because they have not been particularly successful in tradition mainstream academic situations. They are frequently quite bright, but for a variety of reasons specific to each individual they do not retain imformation well in the classic lecture/homework/test educational model. My personal theory is that people who have an interest in and affinity for machinery have a brain makeup that is strongly centered in visual and tactile memory. By striving to put each lesson into immediate practical application I can greatly enhance retention of new knowledge.
John Stuckey
As a new instructor I am experimenting with different methods. When presenting a student with new information, I have found that answering a question with a question in a fun competitive manor makes them work mentally to solve his or her own questions with the information they already know. The student seems to respond in a positive way and comments on how well he/she has a better understanding of that subject. This seems to help the student retain and retrieve this information very easily.
I use acronyms and try to make it as personal as possible.
One of the first axioms I learned about teaching that has served me well is Tell them what you are going to tell them. Tell them. Then tell them what you have told them. This repetition and an idea of where you're going and what you've covered is critical and easy to remember. They say it takes 7 repetitions to learn a fact, but I know this is a simple powerful axiom for me.
Hi Steven,
Good way to connect the cognitive and tactile aspects of learning. They have a much higher retention rate when they learn in this fashion.
Gary
To have the student perform the related task as soon as he/she is taught the material. Once they have done the hands on assignment they will be confident that they have learned the material
