In phase 12 there is a lot of lab time where active learning is used and then it is evaluated by tests and eventually an end phase lab test. during class i do pass out a lot of training aids so the students can get hands on the actual components that are used in the industry.
Hi Peter,
Students really enjoy the active learning portion of any lesson. The lab activities let us know if students fully understand what they are doing.
Patricia Scales
We utilize a pre- requisite review to introduce the material. After that, we have very well defined hands on labs set up to acheive certain objectives, we follow that up with an extensive review of the lab material,with discussions to make sure it met the objectives.
Hi Steve,
You are right, typically if a student can answer the question, they understand the concept.
Patricia Scales
Hi Chris,
I group my students from time to time becuase in the real work team work is expected a lot, regardless of background, age, etc.
Patricia Scales
Asking questions to the students about information that was covered is one of the best ways to determine what they learned.
If the response is less than 100% we can go back and look at the info in a more active learning lesson.
I feel active learning is best placed after a lecture, the lecture being about the suject or about the task going to be assigned. Once the class is clear on what is expected, most of my student are well imformed before a group or individual activity, know the expectations and requirements. So it seems like we use these methods already in our courses, One thing I would like to bring out is, how can we get some students who dont socialize well or hate being around others to take part, I have always allowed some to branch off and do activities on thier own, but most of these "loners" would do much better in a group, they just dont like to take part. Many reasons are behind these actions from students and you can't "require" a group to be assembled. Many of our students are post war veterans and even though they are trained to be part of a team, a lot once out of the service don't want to be around anyone, but yet want to learn the information. It's alos to assemble groups of "adult learners", when we have such a blend of age groups....students from 18 to 70 come to our school, not all get along or have the same temperments...
Hi Joseph,
I like to use active learning to determine if students can really apply book theory.
Patricia Scales
Active learning is used in my phase as another way to show the information
Hi James,
Learning is truly measured by hands-on activity. Students must be able to apply the book theory.
Patricia Scales
I think active learning is always needed and appropriate. Every course is broken into segments or chapters. As each chapter is covered by lecture, there must be some sort of hands-on, discussion, research, or Q and A session that creates interest and excitement in the subject matter. The lab exercises then become the verification of learning. If it is discovered that, after the labs are completed, the learner still does not understand the concept of the lesson, a review of the material and the reasons for the lab exercises must be done. It is not enough that a student knows, for example, that glazed brake pads can cause brake fade. The student must know what brake fade is, what glazed pads look like, and how this will manifest itself to the customer; what will the customer complaint be. The student will then be able to make a correct diagnosis and repair of the vehicle.
Hi Mark,
You are right! Learning that is applicable to the real world takes on a greater meaning to students.
Patricia Scales
I try to make our lab conditions as real life as possible. The students seem to have more interest this way. It seems to help having them actually diagnose something rather than just talking about it.
Hi William,
Absolutely! Hands-on learning is extremely effective, and sudents really do retain more information from performing.
Patricia Scales
Hi Leonardo,
It is great to use a variety of teaching techniques, but hands-on learning is well received by students, and they really learn from doing. The information sticks whenever they can do it.
Patricia Scales
I do not have a lot of personal planned active learning activities. The reason is that The course curriculum already has the active learning activities biult into the course. I do feel that these type of activities are helpful and the student deffinetly gats more from the lesson than they would just sitting there.
From what I take away from this course is that if my students are not learning, then I am not teaching. If my students are not learning then this is my guideline in determining that an active learning lesson is needed. The steps I will take in the implementation of it will be determined by the objective. The benefit or the outcome will be the progress of the students. I will be teaching because they will be learning.
Hi James,
I like how you have your students apply what they have researched to ensure they have an understanding.
Patricia Scales
Hi William,
Students love it when activities are made real as they apply to the work place.
Patricia Scales
I use this method when safe use of eq. or compont Is at hand.To help students understand a compont I will have students do research on the subjet then.then explain to there class mates or me to see if they got it I have a sheet(checklist) they fill out.were i can see if they found the right info then I have them peform task to see if they can do what they found in there reasearch.
