I teach a class that reviews historical fashions. When we review a historical period they need to learn the correct historical names of the garments. I try to make the lecture engaging and active by then asking the students to identify current fashion trends that are similar to the one discussed. they also evaluate why these changes occurred. I also ask students to role play they were living in that period of time. What would they wear and why are typical questions.
Hi Paul,
students enjoy the mixture of lecture and hands-on activity based on the lecture! You grasp the concept when you can apply the theory!
Patricia Scales
I could incorporate more role playing and debates on both sides of issues in my social science classes.
I cover the HD oiling system as a lecture but could ask the students to follow the flow of oil by using the flow chart in their service manuals and draw a simplified oil flow chart.
When I lecture about ways to flavor a sauce (natural vs artificial extracts) I have them make the sauce in groups and then each give them a flavor. We come back together as a group and they are able to easily see how much better the naturally flavored sauces have more depth and better flavor. This is also a sauce that is part of their production for the next day so they are able to practice it in groups first which helps the outcome.
I teach an advanced automotive and motorcycle calibration course. Generally speaking, this is straight lecture material, without hands on activities due to its complexity. Recent changes in the classroom environment demand more hands on activities and student interaction with subject matter. By altering the lecture method, and incorporating laptops in the classroom, we have been able to boost student interaction and provide a more active learning environment. This allows students to understand and apply the information, thus increasing subject matter retention.
Hi Sean,
I love the idea of a virtual environment. Students will enjoy this type of learning based on the technology. Most of our students are very technology driven, and they become excited through the use of technology.
Patricia Scales
Hi Jacqueline,
Students love having job-focused examples. They want to and need to know how things are in the real world. There are some students with very applicable examples that are extremely interesting. Visuals are always a plus in the classroom. You do a fine job including active learning activities.
Patricia Scales
Teaching the Wine and Beverage course, much of the lectures on wine characteristics such as flavor profiles and aromas can be quite boring without being able to get involved in an actual tasting. So, why not have a virtual tasting? Set up a process to have students buy white or red wines for tasting and discuss the characteristics of each wine together in the virtual environment. Have them decide which wine is best and for what reason, and for what reasons through negotiating with one another.
P.S. I do realize the cost and legal implications would need to be worked out before engaging in such an active learning experiment.
Sean
I usually teach lecture based classes in which I utilize PowerPoint and while I lecture I give career-focused or relevant examples. I usually ask my students to give me personal experiences and add to the material. I use plenty of visuals throughout my presentations and also scan the internet for news stories that relate to our topic at hand. In general my students follow along and participate so it makes the time fly by while retaining material. How do I check? I give quizzes regarding the material.
Hi Alwyn,
Students retain more when they are having fun while learning.
Patricia Scales
For my midterm and final exam I have the students brake up into groups and then teams. I then have them play who wants to be a millionaire, it works out great because what I have notice is that students are very competitive, this way they are studying and are prepare to take the exams.
Occasionally I will split my class into groups, give them certain sections of the chapter to cover. I give them the large post-it pads and markers, they get an hour and half to develop a lecture based on guidance from me and what they believe to be of importance. The last two hours of class the groups present their lecture notes to their classmates and we leave them up on the walls so that everyone can takes notes. If there's issues with the projectors or computers this back up plan has always worked for me.
Hi Joseph,
Some students really retain their information, and it serves as a refresher for those who did not retain the information.
Patricia Scales
I have done the same. I will do this especially if it is a topic that we have covered in several courses to see where they level of knowledge is and also their thought process. The students really enjoy it and they will ask lots of difficult questions to see if everyone in the classroom is on the same level.
Hi David,
It is amazing what students can learn from each other. Peer teaching/learning has proven to be very effective.
Patricia Scales
I agree making it fun helpes them retain better and relaxes them about fear of test I like the idea of dividing class into 2 halves and having them ask each other quest.
Hi Jessica,
Students really do love it when we make learning fun.
Patricia Scales
When reviewing for an exam, we play games like hangman, definition bingo and jeopardy. The students realy get into it.
Hi Brenda,
Students love hearing stories that are applicable to the lesson. I love how you add fictions with fact, great way to make the story even more exiting/applicable.
Patricia Scales
