Previous Experience
Many of my students have had some level of training in the college setting, which can turn out to be a positive or a negative. Due to years of applying knowledge a certain way, it hinders them from being able to apply new technology. As an instructor this is where my challenges come from, assessments really help to break down many of these barriers.
The basics are the basics in any field of study. It’s always prudent to approach the primary building blocks as if none of the students in the class has any prior knowledge of the subject. In this way the instructor can insure that nothing is left out and all students are grounded and understand the critical information that everything else is going to be built upon.
When talking about the basics if I ever see that some students feel as if the basics are below them I tell them about my experience in the Marie Corps as a marksmanship instructor. Over many years I observed that the best shots in boot camp were not the young man or woman from the country that grew up shooting rifles. But the young man or woman that never ever picked up a rifle before joining the military and the difference was the student who approached the task as if they knew nothing about it listened more intently, studied harder and applied the basics. The know it alls always brought bad habits with them and an unwiiiingness to change or adapt.
with our students so technically advanced we must stay on top of the subject and use the internet
Excellent topic. I think we must innovate and present material in different ways in order to spice things up not only for the students but instructor feels that is not same old...
I could not agree more. It helps not only the student but the instructor to keep thing "fresh". When a teacher is burned out on the subject lessons the students can really tell. Keeping up to date in our fields is very important for all!!
Linda,
I agree. I generally notice that the students that have experience with a particular subject-matter also benefit greatly from having a review. In some cases, they tend to have more questions than the students that are learning the material for the first time.
Tremayne Simpson
Previous experience is good in that those experienced students can help out the students with no knowledge or experience. On the other hand, I still have to go over the material even though some students may know it already.
I agree with you Wendy. I also agree that experience can be a good or bad thing. tell my students to remember to be cognoscente to those who have to understand and ask questions to achieve this tasks and allow that time because your time will come when your experience will have you questioning it.
I think it is a nice way to segway into something that will allow them to reflect on the new material they have learned or the new standard and how it may change their thoughts on the way they used to perform a similar skill when they were previously working. Telling them the rationale of why the profession holds the task to a certain standard is important.
Yes, some students have a hard time being "open to learning" a skill they have already performed. Usually I have had success in using a solid rationale of "why" we do it differently and talk about the standard of care in the profession and they seem to get it.
wendy,
This is a great method for ensuring consistency, within your course. What methods do you use to keep the "more advanced" students engaged, with learning concepts that they may already know about?
Tremayne Simpson
In my program, many of my students will already have some experience in a few areas, however, I cover the material the same with ALL students, then there is no question that we are all on the same page and everyone understands the skill on the same level
I agree as well. I am of the firm belief of being abreast of what is new in your field. Otherwise how can you relate it to your students. Students are very different these days. You have to present your materials in a way that will engage your studets and motivate them to come to class everyday enthusiastic.
Yes; New ways to present. I attended a workshop on this vary topic and I have some new ways to deliver and to engage the students. Survey Monkey is a great way to test the students. You can ask a multiple choice or T/F questions and have the students respond using their cell phones. This is very interactive and very different from the put that cell phone away or give it to me.
There are many other methods to delivr the subject matter and have the sutdents interact with each other and you in the process.
Patricia,
I agree. In order to keep students engaged, instructors have to present contemporary material and innovative activities. Students can definitely identify when "stale" material is being presented to them.
Tremayne Simpson
Experience is good but an interactive instructor wants to change things up and learn new ways to present and teach a new skill. All instructors should be challenged to change their delivery each time a class is taught.
Not all students are able to apply previous knowledge to the technical skills. I like this idea because the instructor can get a true sense of whether or not the student has a thorough understanding of the subject. (connecting the dots)
Leveda ,
I have had similar challenges with the classes that I have taught in the pass. In order to account for the potential "technological divide", I have created "assessments within assessments", in order to ascertain student prior knowledge. An example would be to assign a diagnostic quiz, via the student portal. It would be two assessments in one, because the student would need to show the capability to use technology and their performance on the quiz would provide insight on their level of subject knowledge.
Tremayne Simpson
