Some publishers do a great job with providing presentations, both video and powerpoint to use for content delivery. When those strategies are used I always interject lecture into their use to personalize the delivery and assist in making sure the students are gaining the intended understanding from the content delivery.
I generally use the powerpoints that are provided with the text to begin with. After the first class, I try to develop an integration of what the students indicate is useful to them for learning... most of which indicate something visual, so I'll continue with the powerpoints but also access the internet, handouts, and videos to collaborate the lecture to deliver the content.
Instructional media should be used to support the content taught. Using a variety of teaching techniques and instrucional media can aid in helping address most of the learning styles in a class.
Hi Michael:
You bring a good point - it really depends on what you are teaching. In general, most agree that when possible, a variety of techniques is the best approach to address every type of learner.
Regards, Barry
Hi Patrick:
This smethod you are describing sounds like a great way to use a variety of teaching methods to address every kind of learning style. The hands on approach would most likely appeal to those that are kinesthetic learners.
Regards, Barry
As with any technology it can be used effectively or abused. I use Ppt as the centerpoint of my business classes, but I link it to the clouse Learning Management System, course simulations, web sites and quite often YouTube. In my classroom, we have a Smartboard where you can write electronically over the Ppt. I use this as the Havard Prof used his blackboard in the video in this module. Often, I get the class discussion to develop the next slide by writing down their comments and linking them on the board over the ppt slide. When I click to the next slide, they see that they actually figured out the level on their own.
Barry,
I think the type of media selected should be appropriate for the material that you expect your students to learn. In addition, the media should emulate the media types that will possibly used in the students' future career fields. Whenever, possible, an instructor should try to implement as many diffrent forms of media as possible in order to reach the different learning styles in the class. Additionally, this will also help to activate the senses. As a result, the students should have better retention of the subject material being taught.
Joe
I use power point as a foundation for my lectures but try to supplement with pictures and videos that demonstrate concepts I want students to take away.
I select based on the course. I teach biology so I try to keep the subject matter interesting with interactive projects on a SmartBoard or videos embedded in my power points. Links to biology websites for labs are also a great way to have lab time without the need for a lab.
Hi Diana:
To paraphrase what you've said, the best idea is to use a variety of teaching methods to address every type of student learner.
Activities are best when they are visual, audio, and kinesthetic.
Regards, Barry
Hi Kobie:
Right - again we're talking about using a variety of instructional methods to keep the topic fresh and interesting, and to address every type of learning style.
Regards, Barry
Hi Gordon:
These are great techniques. What you are essentially doing is using a variety of approaches to get the material to the student. The good thing about this approah is that it addresses all types of student learning types.
Regards, Barry
Media selection should be based upon need, ease of use, and ease of understanding of the message conveyed.
The presentation, media and method would based on the target audience would it not. so know the need of the audience would determine the manner in which specific information is disseminated.
Taking into account the v.a.k. students media format would definitely impact the learning capability of the students. V= visual, a=audio, k=kinesthetic learners.
Also the use of Blooms Taxonomy play a large part of the over choice of media, and presentation.
Hi Katherine:
Any presentation style can be effective. Ideally, we would all use a variety of techniques to address every type of learning style.
Regards, Barry
Hi Simon:
You make a great point - we don't want to ever use any material that can distract the student away from the main point.
As instructors, we should always keep in mind what we're trying to impart to the student.
Regards, Barry
Hi Gina:
Excellent! Again, by choosing from a VARIETY of presentation methods, we teach more effectively.
Regards, Barry
Hi Michele:
Great points - by using a variety of instructional media, an instructor is more likely to address all types of learning styles.
Regards, Barry
although I can appreciate the context of your intent I don't understand why it has to be a "buy in , or not" situation. I find it difficult to assess a commonality of inellectual neglect in the presentation of material.
I do agree that humor and satire often convey a more concise message at times but the true conveyance of knowledge is from you. Everyday I ask myself three questions:
1. Why do I do what I do?
2. For whom do I do what I do?
3. Am I affecting a positive change in my students?
When the answer to any one those three questions is a negative response of any kind it is time to re-evaluate my intent, purpose, and methodology.
One of the good things about teaching is that it forces us to have to be experts at what we do. And for some the thought of being put on the spot to defend your methodoloy scares them greatly, why. Education and entertainment often do go hand in hand just becareful of the message it conveys and that it's intent is truely comprehended.
I consistently try to incorporate media that will serve to entertain, while leading students to the content (or point) of my lecture. For example, there are quite a few very entertaining instructional videos on YouTube taught by young, hip people that students can relate to. This gets their attention and helps them to "buy in" to the content. In doing so, students make many positive associations with course content as well (much more helpful to students than lecture alone).
