To give the best presentation possible to keep your students focused on learning
Hello John:
You are quite correct that all students use the different learning styles. Of course, some students rely more on one style over others. I find it amazing how much of computer technology is learned by show and tell, rather than from textbooks. And similarly, it's interesting how much students learn this way from each other.
You've hit on something about the connection between tactile sense and learning successfulness. There's instant feedback and it seems like the visual/tactile neurons are especially stimulated by computerized learning.
The more senses students are exposed in their leraning process will naturally improve their learning overall.
"Involve me and I understand". Your point demonstrates this old educational adage.
Good comment!
Hello Joe:
You're right that too much content delivered by PPT can be overwhelming for students.
One technique to augment PPT's is to post a question and ask the students what they think are the likey "bullet points" or emphasis taliking points. Then, the lecture points can be reviewed with encouragement to students or essential points that were on track.
Students like and need to feel engaged. When they sense they're getting that from their teachers, I think they're going to always respond better.
Your suggestions are good examples!
The Selecting of Media for your class is definitely a very important part of imparting knowledge. I have always emphasized the visual media as I know that man is principally a visual learner. However, I have had students that have to hear the information in order to learn a process. Tactual is also extremely important in the computer area of learning. I tell my students that they may help another student by telling them what keys to punch in a process, but not to punch the keys for that student. If they do press the keys for the student, the student will ask “What did you do?†I feel that there is a direct connection between the fingers and the brain in learning computer skills.
We try to use multiple forms of media in our classes. Power point paralysis happens all to quickly as instructors begin to lean on this crutch. Text books, video, power point, handouts are useful media but need the management of an instructor to be successful.
You're right to be alert to the type of media you're presenting. Students learn different ways, and some topics are better presented using media that supports the content better than others. Keeping students interested is definitely important.
