I keep in mind that variety is the spice of life. I particularly liked the "avert tedium, change the medium" phrase.
Cassandra,
Definitely finding a blend of varied delivery methods and media expressions works best. Incorporating hands on is always welcomed, especially when the tasks are directly job related.
Barry Westling
I like Power Point but as an MLT instructor, I find that a better combination is both PPT and hands on. My students get the "aha" moment when they get to perform the task.
Cassandra
Lydia,
I have found some publisher supplied PPT's to be OK, but as you say, most are mere outlines of the chapter. I prefer to make my own slides with the information I feel is most relevant, although I may use images, charts, graphs, and illustrations supplied by the publisher. Occasional (short) videos also enhance the PPT's. I feel students can read the chapters and make their own notes. But there is only one "me", and I prefer to highlight and promote discussion from my own prepared slides.
Barry Westling
I always look at the given powerpoints from the company that our books come from. Then I add the possible media, pictures, etc, that will enhance the students in the classroom. I always use those power points because mostly they go along with the chapter in the books, but always adjust them to my teaching.
Suzanne,
Great use of resources and application from the lessons.
Barry Westling
Stephanie,
Photo's, charts, graphs, images, and illustrations all work to compliment the text on slides. Variety makes presentations more interesting, and therefore, more memorable.
Barry Westling
Thats exactly what I use. I apply them at the end of each lecture but before class is over. Sort of like a pop quiz, trying to capture that "in the moment" knowledge. The student outcomes have improved dramatically using this tool.
I found this section helpful in the power point tips. Every 8 months I need to present a mini program on The Dental Hygiene Profession.
The suggestion of 10-20-30 makes it easy to remember and is workable.
I find that students love pictures of themselves. or people that they know. I try to update the powerpoint with current pictures.Making powerpoint presentations is still a painful process. I will check out that website for suggestions.
Thanks
Suzanne,
I use "clickers" for select topics, and they do add a certain dimension of variety and interesting engagement by students. Some think it's fun, sort of like a game. The key part is the anonymity of responding to posed questions.
Barry Westling
Not only do I use PowerPoint becuase it connects with visual learners but I also use technology such as a Student Response System (SRS) for those hands-on learners. This tool, I believe gives the students the annonymity of answering in class (if they are shy, the ability to recieve immediate feedback, and the capability seeing their response in comparison to the class.
I believe this SRS tool is useful for delivering content to younger students who like to text, use internet, and cant live without their electronic devices. They take ownership in using the SRS, thus they take ownership in their education and learning.
Gordon,
This is good for a couple of reasons. One is the students see the daily objectives and expectations. It may also indicate what students might be tested on. Another is it provides a better plan students can follow if they want to prepare themselves with prior reading or study on the specific topics. Also, it helps the instructor plan for perhaps a bit better organization, and serve as a guide to staying on track.
Barry Westling
Selecting different instructional delivery methods captures the student’s attention and extends the students attention span. What I’m going to start doing is to keep the class session highlights and assignment schedule on the whiteboard then relate other media to the information in the whiteboard.
Melissa,
The time and effort put into this activity will also demonstrate the instructor is creative and cares enough to put in extra time on behalf of their students.
Barry Westling
Melissa,
Variety does contribute to better learning outcomes, and makes classes more interesting and enjoyable. Breaking up the instructional period into digestible segments by using multiple media creates a better setting for learning as well.
Barry Westling
I agree. They key to keeping students engaged is in how one can vary teaching methodologies and media. I love clip art and will incorporate 'visual arts' as much as possible. Also, I love to insert quotes and use humor. Laughter can brighten any classroom setting. Sometimes I will just lecture from notes with no background media effects.
I think it is important to select a variety to media so that the instructor can get the inforamtion across in more then just one venue. Some students are learners through hearing, seeing, touching etc. and when you chose a variety of media you are more apt to touch on what your students need to learn.
Melissa
Darcey,
I too do previewing as an adjunct to preparing for the day's works. Although it takes a little extra time, I feel my students benefit in knowing what's ahead and to some degree, how to prepare for it.
Barry Westling
Brenda,
I agree. I think more media sources that are relevant helps students retain more of the essential and required material.
Barry Westling
The course I teach is lecture / demonstration based then the student applies their knowledge directly in lab. So when I think about what instructional media to use I make sure it ties in well to the lecture / demonstration for the day. But I find that giving the student an overview of what we will be learning for the day, along with handouts starts the class off well. I use powerpoints and video intermingled with a demonstration to give another media for them to learn. Powerpoints for the class are also on the portal and most students print them out and take additional notes on them. I find this to also be a good way to state what may be on an exam. Having several sources of media ready for each lecture also wakes up the students a bit . . . standing in front of the class I can see when I am starting to "lose" the students.
