Copy off the board vs. handouts
I have a few powerpoints for the demos done in class to help the students through it but I find they dont like copying it off the board (bored) haha! so i give them handouts and have them highlight areas of concern and always encourage them to ask me questions as I walk around the room and observe their "hands-on performance"
Hi Paul,
I agree! Studies have proven that if students write information down they tend to remember it more. We want our students to do well, therefore we have to use teaching methods that are effective for our students.
Patricia Scales
I also add to the power points so that the students can write it down in there words and if I can tell that they are not getting it I will tell it from a different angle until I see the light go on I have found that getting the class involved by writing it down in there notes it sticks better and the results are better test scores
This may be the compromise I've been looking for in my class. Handouts seem to cultivate laziness in my flock, but I (and they) have concerns about them missing key points when they take 100% of their own notes. Thanks!
Hi Bonnie,
Students love having fun while learning. Learning sticks when students have fun.
Patricia Scales
I agree with you. These work well. I also found that having students come to the whiteboard is not only engaging and fun but a great learning experience for all.
Hi Scott,
Handouts are a great reference tool for students; they have something to refer to other than the book. Students do not like looking in books.
Patricia Scales
I do the same, I do more demo's and then hand out the demo's in written form as well. I also give a lot of hand outs on related topics and things that they just mite find interesting.
I use guided notes basic outline that contians most of the information I am discussing in my power point it keeps them more focused on the lecture without them having to write down everything I say.
Hi Charla,
You will really see how much of an understanding your students have when you involve them in active learning. If they can apply the book theory into application, they understand.
Patricia Scales
The challenge I had will this is the students then complain about the quizzes having questions that weren't in the PowerPoint slides. Clearly that tells me they aren't paying enough attention. I need to make it plain at the outset that questions will come both from the PPS and the lecture/discussion. Look forward to trying to change this approach to more active learning though!
Hi Allyson,
Glad to know this is working out for you! I have come to discover that even though you give literature to students early, most of them do not even look at it before hand.
Patricia Scales
In my classes, by giving the students the printed powerpoints ahead of time (a day or two before the lecture/discussion) allows the students to look ahead and become familiarized with the information being presented. This tends to allow the students to pay closer attention to the material being discussed rather then frantically scribbling notes. I find it also usually ends up as a more engaged discussion since the students have had a chance to think about questions and comments regarding the material.
Hi Kristen,
When a student can take book theory and paraphase into their own words, they typically understand the concept.
Patricia Scales
I teach pharmacology and anatomy with the use of powerpoint. However, when taking 'notes' I ask the students to "translate" what the book is saying. Knowing pharmacokinetic processes is great but it is more beneficial when they can explain that this is simply how a drug moves through the body.
Hi Eva
What a fantastic opportunity for your students to take advantage of printing PowerPoint presentatins. Some students simply just will not do what needs to be done in order to be successful.
Patricia Scales
Hi Elizabeth,
Super! Students need to put forth effort. You've done half of the work, they can certainly meet you half way. Great way to teach students how to pull their weight.
Patricia Scales
I give out power point outlines, but if the student stops there and doesn't take notes during the lecture they miss over half the content. Power points are used to triger the thoughts and questions, not contain all the content
We as a school have powerpoints for every class that the student can download & print if they like. Most won't take the time to do so & instead I have found that they like to copy EVERYTHING from the powerpoints which of course takes up some time & they don't copy the added information that I am giving to them. They already have the info on the powerpoint available to them vs. the added info from my lecture. The good ones will actually print the powerpoints & add the info from lecture which I have found to be very useful since they add the info to the corresponding slide.
Hi Juanita,
I like the idea of a SIMPLE outline at the end, which still encourages them to take notes during class, but if they missed anything they have something to refer to.
Patricia Scales
