A.,
I think this can be a good way to appropriately incorporate technology & show the proper use for it.
Dr. Ryan Meers
The inner and outer circle Socratic seminar - they have to formulate questions, they have to support their argument, and they have to listen to others.
I try to get them involved in the subject by allowing use of cell phones for specific purpose: recoeding lectures, pictures,and quick research
I'll bring into play the use of technology. When a student asks an in-depth question that I might not readily know the answer, I will refer him/her to their smart phone and say Google it, right now.
I have found that you need to include everyone in the discussion, this may include calling on the ones that would not say anything otherwise.
Timothy,
I have found this to be true in my experience also.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I find they do like the hands on part of the lesson far more than the book
They really like working in groups. We put them into small groups for labs and class. Another thing that they really like is life stories, giving them a break for straight lecture. Sometimes I will challenge them to use the internet to find an answer to something, rather than me answering myself.
lloyd,
this is a great technique as it helps connect the concepts to "real life" & they can see the application.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I like to let them use their cell phones to google answers and see what snopes has to say about it. They are very internet minded so I let them use their phones during test also. it really helps with their scores
I agree Lloyd this a great strategy that seems to work well
My strategies that work are having alot of parts in the classroom, talking about experiences in the field and want I'm working on at home right now keeps intrest.
I use technology as the foundation of a lecture, while getting the students to work on another task that gives them instant feedback.
Basically I treat them like my kids.
We are moving swiftly toward a lot of elearning here at our school. The students seen to get more info retained if they see animations or video of what you are triing to explain. We can have students see the process of how something mechanical works and it is easier for them to grasp
kristine,
I think this is a great way to mix a variety of learning styles/approaches for one assignment.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I use a film, they answer questions regarding the film on a handout, then they research the outcome on the internet.... utilizing many tasks for one objective
Summer,
you make a good point here. I think the point is that too many of the older styles of teaching depended upon the instructor talking for an hour. You stated that Gen Y can be engaged in a discussion for an hour. Exactly the point we are trying to make. That is "mixing it up" compared to the instructor standing up & talking for lengthy periods of time.
Dr. Ryan Meers
James,
great illustration & you are right that the "why" is very important to this generation.
Dr. Ryan Meers
This topic has been a frequent discussion amongst my teacher friends and me. I am not an instructor who bounces back and forth based on the student's attention span. Overall, I create an environment that regularly engages students. Yes, I have read all the data on Gen Y that says you need to "switch things up every 20 minutes" and frankly feel it’s a discredit to members of that generation. Simply because one CAN multi-task doesn't mean they MUST do it all the time. I easily have members of Gen Y engaged in a lecture/discussion for an hour. Allowing the students to contribute their thoughts goes a long way in the classroom...and sometimes they want the information to come from you. I do think knowing all this research is important, but NOT more important than knowing your teaching style and your students.
