combining lecture and hands-on learning
I like to lecture and then demonstrate on equipment as it pertains to the lecture. It keeps students engaged.
David,
A very important goal for sure. What are some strategies you use to keep their attention that you will be willing to share with us.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
That is most important goal is to keep the attention of the students.
Jim,
This is a sad situation for those students that cannot or will not see the value of the material you are presenting. As we all know without mathematics there will not be career success. If these individuals are satisfied with never advancing in their careers and always working with not security since they lack the basic skills sets for using math in their work then I guess there is no helping them. I have these students as well and they are a source of frustration to me since I know what they have to have to be successful, and our graduates them how they use what we are teaching them yet they refuse to listen and learn the content.
I understand exactly where you are coming from on this.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Most people involved here seem to be in construction trades or medical technologies both of which require "A strong back and a strong mind". Our lecture type of material is mathematics, legal requirement and about the material the students will be working with. About 50/50 lecture/hands on
Many students do not like the lecture material because it is considered a waste of time by their friends. We work with students to give examples of how everytrhing we work with will be required by potential employers and their abilities will help them reach top of the wage scale. The serious students very easily agree and work with us. Alumni have returned and told how all of our material has kept them working at higher rates. Those who don't care still degrade the material, if they pass, at a minimum, drop out or have come back in a few months for help on employment tests.
Cindy,
Keep exploring your options. You will be surprised at how creative you can be with teaching props and supports as you move them through the course.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
That is a great idea to share the skulls and teeth. They can learn from each other!
There is a 3-D program on line but it costs a lot of money. I think the students would benefit from that! I need to give them several methiods of teaching styles. I am a visual and observation learner.
Cindy,
Can you get several models of teeth and/or skulls so 2-3 students can handle each item in a small group setting while you are showing them the slides? Can you have them sketch their own versions of the teeth and/or skull so you have them involved in a tactile way while you are showing the slides?
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I am a visual learning but students use a varity of learning ways.
So I will need to do all ways.
Thanks
To show on a little tooth or skull in front of 24 students will be tough. I have some good slides that will help.
Any other suggestions???
Cindy,
It sure would because the students would get to immediate application of their newly acquired knowledge. This reinforces their learning at a much higher rate. You can always do a quick review of what was covered on lecture day as you start the lab of help them to pull the needed information out of their memories.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I need to talk about the characterisitics of the different teeth in the lecture mode but lab is on different day. It would be easier to show in the classroom right after we talk about it.
Jon,
It sure is and this type of both theory and application format helps students to see the relevancy of what they are being taught. In addition it is using their different learning styles just as you mention.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I teach in a subject area (Forensic Science) that requires a theoretical and hands-on approach. Sometimes, students will not grasp certain concepts until they actually see the results through laboratory examinations. This type of approach is capturing the different learning styles. JMH
I agree. This approach addresses the strengths of both types of learners: The ones who learn best listening to lecture and the ones who learn best by hands on. That way you usually manage to capture most of the students interest and it keeps the class actively involved.
