media
using media is a great idea because it enhancess students learning ability
Clifton,
Some topics are easier than others to create interesting change-ups in the lesson. Nonetheless, breaking up the lesson into segments (or "chunks") helps keep matters interesting and students focused. I watched a late-night show host's monologe recently and observed how one topic led the monologe, and ended up being repeated with related stories three different times in the 8-minute period. This reinforced how an idea can be repeated in short segments repeatedly over a given period.
Barry Westling
I agree. Lecturing constantly without audio/ visual aids will put even another teacher to sleep. Over an extended period of talking time, there is a need for some 'breakup' of the atmosphere in order to reduce the tendency of all to commence snoring. A too relaxed situation of listening breeds conditions for that greatest desire for relaxation...
Doc
Wes,
These are both very often used (and effective) media choices. Augmenting the slides with hyperlinks to related topics can brighten up an otherwise so-so presentation. Getting students up to the board to do the writing is so much better than the teacher doing it. This helps keep them engaged, and assists with information retention as well.
Barry Westling
Using prescribed media (slides via projector) should be a foundation. I've found that using a slide picture and drawing, noting, or enhancing the image using the white board helps students gain a deeper understanding of the material.
Jason,
Right. And media choices are key to student success in a way that benefits them now and in the future. In the workplace, graduates rate naturally going to refer back to their days in school, and by choosing media that paints a mental picture and travels to the long term memory cells will invauable to them.
Barry Westling
I agree, I like bringing up to the class the fact that by using different senses they will learn the subject matter with different parts of their brains. The whole of which brings together a deeper understanding of what they are learning. media can touch so many pieces of our intellect at once. The saying that a picture is worth 1000 words is more true than we know.
