I have the students switch groups and answer different questions about the same material. When they need to work with different groups, they cannot rely on the same person always answering and get to play different parts.
Have the class take a break and when they regather, make a list of what has been accomplished and what is yet to be done and take it from there.
When demonstrating massage moves, I have the students do a round robin to get familiar with different body types and how they react to varying pressures and applications.
To reinforce anatomic terminology, I'll have a break-out session, with an activity envelope on each table. I have prepared sets of terms and their definitions on slips of paper. Each category, along with an answer key is kept in a different envelope (i.e. Directional terms: anterior/posterior/superior/inferior/distal/proximal) The students move from one station to the next, and try to match up the term to its definition, then check themselves against the answer key.
Kellie, I like that you have the students summarizing to reinforce and evaluate what they rememeber.
I summerize the information taught. Sometimes and more often I have the students summerize what they have learned during the lesson and give me some top key points.
I try to stress the importance of their responsibility and to make them understand that another life is in their hands. I also make them visualize and ask them, WHAT WOULD YOU WANT DONE TO YOU IF YOU WERE THE PATIENT? This question makes them realize what needs to be done and that they need to pay attention.
Make students think that the next exercise is just to get students re-energized and then debrief by explaining how it was really an exercise that reinforced an important concept. Then do it again to show not just explain.
Andrea, I'm glad this course is helping you to reflect on what you can add to your teaching to make it even better than it is right now. Great teachers continually strive to make their classes more successful.
I really like the idea of having the student write down 5 things they are unclear about and what their plan is to rectify that. This way the student is taking responsibility for their own learning, but at the same time as an instructor it will let me know where they are having difficulty. If a lot of students are having trouble in the same area, I know that this is an area I need to get more creative about teaching!
I like the macarena song, it is also good for the injection sites.
What are strategies to refocus learners. Hands on and visuals are best methods to refocus learners. The ideas presented are great but unfortunate not the best for some instructors. The method or role play where the instuctor hands out 3/5 cards to 5 students with a scenario works real well in the class. This can also be used for prioritization and is a great learners tool.
Thanks for sharing your mite paper idea.
I agree, case studies are great strategies for learning.
I usually teach in 3 hour blocks of time, so I will use guided lectures, working with a partner to reinforce a concept, and games. If I see I need to spice things up I will give out case studies and go around the room asking for answers from different groups.
I have recentely started using the minute papers for them review things taught and then discuss as a class. Found it to be a great way for students to review material amongst each other.
Your ideas refocus learners and evaluate what they learned as well. Thanks for sharing!
I frequently teach a CET prep course and often the students are in "overload". Sometimes it's nice to just go outside and have a quick walk around the building. I will also frequently go around the room asking each student to tell me one thing they know today that they didn't know yesterday. Sometimes as a written assignment, I'll request that they write 5 things they learned this week, 5 things that they're still unclear about and what their plan is to rectify that.
Having a common reference point is the starting point for learning> I agree with you.
