I can help students to retain and apply new information in several ways. To help them retain the knowledge, I can have students involved with various activities that address each learning style in order for all learners to have a chance to work with the content in their learning style. To apply the new information, I can use the ideas behind Bloom's Taxonomy to move through the knowledge in the levels of cognition needed to achieve mastery.
Hi Lisa,
This is a good way to get students to complete the assignment while developing their written communication skills. I am sure they have fun selecting the topics they are going to write about because they the ones they select. This way they can focus on something that is of interest to them and write their projects discussing that topic.
Gary
The advantage of teaching writing is also the disadvantage: students recognize the need to write effectively so they are eager to learn; however, they don't always see the connection between what they are learning and their career paths. Their willingness to put forth the effort to retain and apply new information depends on where they are across that spectrum. One strategy I've used is leaving topics open and encouraging students to pick a writing topic that fits with their chosen career field. I care more about the quality of the writing and the outcome, not the actual topic, so this works well in my classes. They are much more motivated when I do this.
I use the "common sense" idea here. I know that different people learn things in a variety of ways, but I think that most of us learn by doing. Any new skill I learn, I always retain it better after I've been allowed to do it myself or go through the steps on my own. I can watch someone or listen to someone explain something, but until I'm turned loose to actually do or perform the task, I don't fully "get it." I think it's the same for most of my students. They need to be able to "do" as much as listen to a lecture or read chapter in a book.
Hi Perry,
This is a great way to "connect the dots" for students. By seeing the connection between the content and application students can see the relevancy of what they are learning. This really helps with content retention.
Gary
One of the ways I attempt to have my students in retaining information is by practical application. My students study in medical classes related to patient care. I create scenarios for them to roleplay so that they can see how the information is beneficial.
Applying or comparing new information to previously learned information can make it easier to understand. Going from know to unknown.
Giving students special projects and developing outcome drive task that relates to the curriculum allows student to apply theory into practice. I also use case studies that provide students a chance to see how what they learn could solve real world problems and business issues.
For retaing information, I try to provide any hands-on examples to get them physically involved wherever possible. If there aren't any hands-on examples , then I will relay to them any personal experiences that I have had on the topic.
Crossing learning domains is one proven method for helping students to retain new information. I like to have students in synchronous classrooms draw simple pictures of concepts that they aquired in rote learning. Groupwork strategies that shift student roles into content specialists who then teach other students (like the old Jigsaw activities) can be quite effective in this regard. Finding ways to take traditional lecture activities and transforming them where possible into experiential activities is also a great way -- again, where possible. By intercrossing cognitive and affective domains I believe we maximize student interest as well as retention of newly acquired knowlege.
We constantly energize the students in understanding what the posible varriations of food preparation are. Then we challange them to create similar foods with no or less fats and sugars . They also learn the proper portion size. Then we have them eat their products. Now there is a way to eat and think about food. This is not just consumption. Taste, texture, temperature, fatty, acid, balances etc.
First of all I love the role of nurturing. This applies to plants, people, & my students. I enjoy sharing this spirit in my day to day practice, & in teaching. I bring energy & a positive attitude that is infectious. In the course of any clinical day (working with students & patients') I learn many things from my students & share insights as they arise in the nursing environment. The application of new knowledge is an evolutionary process & a multi dimentional phenomena. By study, practical application of evidence based practice I help students to grow in terms of achademic acheivement & in learning the "hard skills" that are essential in taking care of high acuity clients. R Tapley APRN-BC
I can help students by relating the material to their own personal experience. I can help them make the connection with the material and the real world. I can present material in a variety of forms for the various learning styles. I can engage students into active learning activities. We can give examples in class and discuss topics. I can also encourage them to practice using the new material outside of class.
I typically teach computer classes - after I demonstrate a feature, I ask them to follow along and demonstrate again. Then I have them do an exercise to use the new feature(s)
Every class I use a verity of presentation methods. This includes power points, discussion, worksheets, group presentations, etc. This taps into the students “way of learning†(by different methods that may work for them) and they also learn the material better because they were able to apply it in a different or more practical way.
Create scenarios or excercises that give them the opportunity to apply what they have learned. When possible, I like to have them apply concepts in a group setting so that various points of view are shared.
In order to help students retain and apply new information, it has to be relevant to them. Help them establish what the information has to do with them and their career/life goals. In my experience, I have found that when I can link a personal story (either one of my own or a students') with a new concept, students tend to remember the concept better. I think allowing students to have several reflection opportunities allows them to reflect on how what they are learning can apply to them in their futures.
The two most successful methods for my class is repetition (i.e. reference/citation creation in live chats) and help direct others by pointing out the issues they had with the material and what methods worked for them to resolve the issues. By repeating and implementing, I am able to help instill what they have learned and give them the tools to access the information when they need it.
repetition, application, use new information in the lab
Hi Carol,
Good way to show your students relevancy in terms of what they just learned. By making application of new knowledge the students have a higher percentage of retention as well as increased satisfaction with their learning.
Gary
