re:colored paper
we do not have access to colored paper or colored printing. Any other suggestions?
Terry,
I believe creative uses of colored...anything makes for better retention of information, student engagement, and is just more fun and make for a more enjoyable learning experience.
Barry Westling
The example given for colored paper is very creative. In the clinical setting, I used colored index cards to have my students get into same colored groups for group activities. Also, I used colored index cards for NCLEX questions by dividing the cards based on the medical condition into systems. I hope these suggestions are helpful.
Lori,
For paper and pencil tests, this sounds like a great idea (not so helpful with computerized testing). Butyour method does try to assist with two common test-taking errors...not reading the question, and reading answer choices too quickly. It's simple ideas like this that creative instructors find help their students. I'm sure you feel the extra effort is worth the time in order to see improved outcomes for your students.
Barry Westling
I have had to become creative with my students through the years I have used colored paper for many purposes. With students who have major test anxiety & do poorly taking tests until they rebuild that skill or learn it, I have found it also very useful to make strips in 2 to 4 inch bands & have students cover answers while testing. This way the student can reach in their knowledge base & feel confident on choosing the best answer as to picking it. This seems to stop students from reading half the question & picking an answer or reading half the answers & seeing a "key" word & picking on that reason alone.
Kimberlee,
Great. This, and other classroom techniques all contribute to the well prepared and organized instructor who has prioritized the student learning outcomes they want to see achieved.
Barry Westling
I really like the idea of using colored paper for syllabi. I have courses that have labs also. I could use colored paper for the different courses. Even though they have different course numbers, on the first day of class when I am going over the course schedule and assignments, I would be able to tell to look at the...syllabus.
Kim Clark
Kathryn,
Good ideas are hard not to adopt. And this one is so minimal in cost, who couyld object?
Barry Westling
Our school also only has white paper. I think the colored paper idea is so good that I will ask management to supply colored paper! Our school is always open to improvement and there is a possibility that no one has ever asked for colored paper. The color printer is another problem however. I supply black and white handouts, but e-mail the colored handouts to whomever requests them. The students can then print their own colored versions. The students really appreciate this.
Stephen,
Cool! I'm glad someone realized I was serious. Hey, these days, you do whatever you can to make things happen, and there's no shame in being thrifty about it .
Barry Westling
Dollar stores! I've seen stacks of colored paper literally for $1.00! It is worth it!
Nicole,
Colored markers or colored pencils can be used to "shade the margin" of sections to be segmented. This may require a trip to the Dollar store.
Barry Westling
