Student experience is interesting information that is brought into the classroom. Students can learn from their peers' experience.
Michael,
this is a great activity as it also forces them to think deeper & more critically about the topic.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
After introducing and discussing a certain international cuisine, I'll often split my class into groups of three and have them collaborate on creating a three course menu representative of the part of the world we just talked about. Then, I have each group give a three minute presentation to the class on the menu they created. I find that this strategy fully engages all of the students, and they have an opportunity to learn from each other, as well.
making them think for themselves. making them do research to figure out different concerns.
Steve,
great idea & I too like to use this method. This helps them learn to listen to others & to articulate their own views much better.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Adrian,
this is a great point & a great tool to use if we have access to this kind of technology.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I ask open ended questions, allowing for a certain amount of opinion. Sometimes I ask why to get them to think. I also ask questions that will address relevency to an individual directly. Many times I just listen and gently probe for additional information.
What I have done in the past is used our discussion forum on our class portal to address certain learning outcomes and in class discussion. This has allowed them to continue to think about their daily lessons outside of class. For the most part, they like the fact of being able to carry on conversations in this type of setting.
Annmarie,
this is a great strategy as it helps them develop critical thinking skills & also helps the audience pay better attention.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
When I have students prepare presentations, I also ask them to prepare exam questions for them to ask of their class mates that has to do with the information given in the presentation. They discuss the answers and the reasons for the answers in a group.
Presenting cause-effect relationships for reading information and using that information to solve a problem. Follow lecture with an activity that demonstrates the student's ability to use, understand and "get" the concept. Provide activities that require the student to justify or defend his/her answer (research).
Presenting cause-effect relationships for reading information and using that information to solve a problem. Follow lecture with an activity that demonstrates the student's ability to use, understand and "get" the concept. Provide activities that require the student to justify or defend his/her answer (research).
Nicholas ,
and what a chance for the different generations to truly learn from each other.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I always ask for input from my students. They sometimes feel that certain generations are strong-minded and not open for discussion. This breaks the ice.
Allowing them to work in small groups, and using topics that are relevant to them will engage these students more. Also giving them the option to present their information in a format of their choosing will encourage creativity and may get them more engaged in the activity.
1. Relevant assignments
2. Team assignments
3. Experiential activities
4. Socially conscious activities
5. Utilizing newer technology incorporated into
the assignments.
I also use this approach because they feel better when hearing it from their peers
Monica,
not only does this help with learning & understanding of material, but it also helps them learn to respectfully & effectively discuss a variety of ideas & opinions.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Using in-class activites that require students to apply critical thinking skills is a strategy to help them become engaged. The activity can be either individual or a group. Once the students complete the activity, classroom discussions help further understanding and question how a student came to a certain decision. The discussions seem to help move students from snorking to scuba diving thinking (not to remain with surface thinking). They are always required to be respectful during the discussions.
Terry,
yes, which shows the need for us to demonstrate & communicate the value early on.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
