Incoprate stories, videos, powerpoints, internet in addtiom to lecture, workbook and didactic format.
Robert,
This is a great method for diversifying your instructional approach to the course. What type of course do you teach?
Tremayne Simpson
Since half of my classes are lecture and the other classes are lab time, it enforces that I use as many different styles as possible. Most classes start with a lecture, which will also involve Q & A and even role planning. Lab time gives the student time to apply their knowledge with hands-on. I have found that student suggestions for exercises and projects can also assist in ways of teaching them.
I Agree, I use all of these tool when teaching medical assistant classes and this allows the student to get a variety instead of only learning one way and the lessons are more engaging.
I use different teaching methods to meet the needs of various learning styles. Visuals, lectures, hands-on and internet are used reaching all students. When teaching hands on I create wiggle room time in the lesson plans for things that happen that are out of my control. Everyone is taught step by step at the same time and help each other along the way.
Dorothy,
I agree. Class instructional techniques, must be diverse, in order to maximize student learning potential.
Tremayne Simpson
Using powerpoints along with lecture as proven to work well. Although being able to have a "lab" segment integrated into the course curriculum helps with the various learning styles. I have also used youtube videos to assist with learning in the classroom.
In order to make learning relevant, you've got to consider that students each have different learning styles--visual, auditory or kinesthetic. By including learning activities that utilize these different skills, you'll best be able to engage all of your students.
I try to combine a variety of approaches in the class session from visual aides to lecture to hands on opportunities to try and touch all forms of learning.
I use technology including smart boards, videos, and demonstrate how to use the computer programs. This allows me to reach the various modalities of learning.
I incorporate a variety of activities from hands on work to demonstrations, and several different media forms that include audio and visiual elements, as well as some competitive games that have general gotten all students to participates
Carmen,
I feel that it is best for an instructor to "fall within the continuum". It is not effective to be "too restrictive" with scheduling and it is also not a good idea to be "too flexible" with the planning. The best solution is to present a lesson plan that has ample room for flexibility and customization.
Tremayne Simpson
Carmen,
I feel that it is best for an instructor to "fall within the continuum". It is not effective to be "too restrictive" with scheduling and it is also not a good idea to be "too flexible" with the planning. The best solution is to present a lesson plan that has ample room for flexibility and customization.
Tremayne Simpson
My lesson plans are designed for the all students by breaking up my class into segments for the visual, auditory and movement learner. I also have assignments designed for each type of learner.
For me the most useful tool is NOT having a specific tool. Meaning: I don't have a schedule that's set in stone, I don't use the same techniques every time I teach, and I don't expect every student to learn the same!
I've worked with instructors who do all of the above listed things and my experience is that their students are not happy and they do not learn all of the content that they should've been able to learn throughout the course.
Taryn,
I agree. Collaborative activities can serve as an alternative form of student assessment and a great opportunity to encourage student participation. In smaller groups, students are generally more comfortable with sharing their opinions and understanding of the class topic.
Tremayne Simpson
Taryn,
I agree. Collaborative activities can serve as an alternative form of student assessment and a great opportunity to encourage student participation. In smaller groups, students are generally more comfortable with sharing their opinions and understanding of the class topic.
Tremayne Simpson
It's important to know what the students know.....perhaps asses what they have experienced or do they know someone who has taken this class before them.
I hear what you're saying, Donna. Do your courses incorporate labs, and are there opportunities to break into small groups? Having small group assignments is a great strategy for putting the focus on the students to use their learning styles outside and inside of class.
Great question! Over the years studies, such as the Briggs/Meyers research, have shown that people learn in many different ways. Therefore to have multiple techniques that reach the different learning styles on the front end is very effective. As you you get to know your students, you can adapt to their strengths and preferences. Adaptability is crucial to ensuring the tools you use in class have an impact on student learning.
