One of the ways that I keep students interested when the learning can be bland, is that we play for example: Abbreviation Bingo...I call out the abbreviations, they have cards that I made and they have to cross out the correct abbreviation and when one calls "bingo" then they get a small prize...it's fun and students enjoy it!
Hi Philippe,
Great use of your students in sharing the knowledge they have acquired. The presentations and group work enables them to develop confidence in their newly acquired skills.
Gary
What I have done is used up to date materials, have the students produce drawings of subject matter, students give presentations in front of the class and build engine models with required ignition, fuel, emission and engine managment systems. The student groups present their project to the rest of the class.
Hi Ryan,
Good use of your own learning experiences to help you plan for those of your students. I know they benefit from your experience base.
Gary
i have learned through my own schooling let hear and doing different ways is best for me to learn. i liked it when instructors/teachers explained the same thing two different ways and showed me different ways of proforming the same task. as an instructor i learned to teach in this manner, i have up to 4 distinct ways of aporaching something.
I am responsible for a variety of computer application classes. We have been using a text book that the students read and follow the steps. The problem with this method is that many students do not focus and stay on task in a busy lab environment. I started using the demonstration method and walking students through the steps and explaining key points and why the methods are used. This is working much better.
In order to keep the students focused it is important to present the content in a meaningful, engaging manner. Many students will have a tendency to “tune out” if the instructor is simply lecturing to them at the front of the class. This type of delivery can at times not only be boring, but it also creates a barrier between the student and teacher. We, educators need to remember that we are speaking to students-as such we should engage with them- establish eye contact, ask direct questions and welcome their questions and responses.
With that said, one way to keep the student focused is to present the content to them by using examples that they would find relevant and interesting. As educators, we need to constantly “educate” ourselves in regards to our student’s culture. We need to ask ourselves- If I was there age, in their position, what would I find interesting? By addressing these questions, I force myself to put the needs of the student first. As educators we have a duty to present specific content, this content however can only be transmitted to our students if we take the time to create lesson plans that will engage them.
keep your training up to date try to learn about new technologies that are relevant in the courses that we teach.
I will review several different applications of the content to be prepare to help the students make the connection of the different ways this technology is being used.
Also I will search for different types of media, and if possible demonstrate the specific topic being taught.
Hi Janet,
Thank you for those kind words about the course. I am excited for you as you review and implement things you have learned in your professional development. If I can be of any future help to you please feel free to contact me.
Gary
Thank you for this course. The information helped me review my teaching methods and do some self evaluation.
Trying the repetiveness and trial and error for learning. I have the students correct their tests for additional points.
Hi Janet,
Good idea concerning having students develop multiple choice questions to be used in review. An added value I have found using this procedure is that I learn what the students consider to be important by the questions they develop. It is a form of evaluation for me to redirect my course content if I need to or emphasize different points. It is a great way of getting the students engaged and letting them know I am responsive to their perceptions.
Gary
I too add relevant real-life experiences. The students listen and want to here about these. It also helps reinforce what they are reading in their text.
I have also broken my class down into groups to present lengthy or difficult material. This also gives them practice at presenting information in front of a group. It's followed up with a discussion of the important points of the information.
Just recently I had my students answer the chapter questions, but also asked each student to create 2 multiple-choice questions from pages that I selected for them. They could work in teams. I will put all these questions together to create a review test before the real one. I'm hoping it helps all the students learn the material better. They will also be participating in their own learning.
Hi Dave,
With 40 years of experience I am sure you have seen just about everything that can occur in your field. These experiences are valuable to your students and form the foundation for their approach and perspective of the field. Keep up the good work.
Gary
While teaching professional service writing, I have always been able to share real-life experiences in the service managment field because in my 40 years in the arena I have seen it all.
Hi Kari,
Your students are fortunate that you have such a practical approach to your instruction. By allowing them to immediately use newly acquired knowledge they are seeing the application of their skills as a part of their career success.
Gary
In the advanced classes that I teach, I employ case studies and problem solving. Since I am a massage therapy instructor, I will present a scenario that deals with a musculoskeletal injury. The students then must decide what assessment tools, techniques, and treatment options they can use to deal with the injury. We then go from theoretical to practical application when we have people from the community come in to receive a massage from the students.
Hi Elaine,
Keep up the good work. Career preparation classes have to be kept relevant and up to date or they are doing a disservice to the students. By keeping your pulse on the field you are reflecting the true training needs of your students.
Gary
I talk to employers whenever possible, or obtain information from Career Services staff who talk with employers.
We do this with all our courses to make sure they are relevant to students' needs. I keep it relevant by using videos and websites to relay current business news items and relate them to the students' future employment.
