Technical Teaching
I know when I have had classes that were set on this type of teaching some of my classmates did well others didn't. I was wondering how would you meet all the needs of the students instead of select students?
Going back to Bloom's taxonomy has helped me. Often, technical material seems to lend itself so obviously to rote memorization that I find I have to make sure to think outside the box in order to hit different learning styles, which is where the taxonomy comes in. Thinking about moving toward deeper levels of learning and toward helping them develop opinions on the subject matter helps me to come up with a variety of exercises.
One method I have used when I have students that "don't test well" aka don't seem to know how to tackle studying technical subject matter, is to come up with a mini research paper that they must accomplish with a group. This allows the more extroverted learners to discuss out loud, helping them to internalize facts. It also allows for a little more practice with considering others opinions and arriving at a group decision, something that can be important for the more introverted learners. Lately, I have tried giving a very guided research topic to make certain that the both the depth I want is there, but also that it sparks opinionated discussion. For instance, "Wbo created the internet? a., b., c., d., e., f., g. " with specific answers outlined, ending with "all of the above" and "none of the above".
Chanel,
I would offer instruction using different delivery modes and activities. That way I am touching on the different learning preferences of the students throughout the course. This gives them opportunities to work within their preferences at different times.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
