I always look at the courses I teach based upon the real world needs of my students. Any time I can match a concept to an activity that utilizes the knowledge I do.
Hi Manju,
I commend you for your use of the many different ways of reinforcing what your students need to learn. Anytime you can show the material in a different format you are helping to get the knowledge stored in the working memory of your students. Good job.
Gary
I teach the scheduled topics both in lecture and in lab. In lecture I use a powerpoint presentation with pictures and diagrams that I show the students in a hands-on manner during lab. I also write important points from the assigned reading material and other books on the board during lecture.
to make sure the course material match what is done will be performes in the lab
Hi Joseph,
Thank you for all of the good information you included in your forum response. You have shared some strategies that I know other participants can benefit from.
You have a real good grasp of transference and application for your students. You are getting them to look around and see how and where they can apply their newly acquired knowledge and skills.
Gary
Hi Chuck,
Good to hear about the new vehicles that you get to use. These types of hands on opportunities will help your students to have the skills needed for career success.
Gary
My particular course of studies deals with electrical systems. We use Theory examples, Computer based training modules, Circuit trainer boards, a complete auto electrical system setup from a Toytoa vehicle and finally the actual vehicle themselves.
We learn and experience basic electrical issues...everyday common faults and problems utilizing all of these different approaches and the funny thing is that I set the same picutre in each medium for the student so they can grasp the idea that it is all related and the same with respect to flow and operation. I can simulate a real customer complaint or concern using any of these training tools and show the consistnacy of electical principles. I will then set them up with an independant learning activity/lab using these guides and a problem using a mock repair order. In our business we go by the 3 c's. Concern, Cause and Correction.
They explore and find the same ideals can be found in these everyday real life examples that are right from my vast years as a technician in the shop. The neat part is when the light bulb in their brains ignites and they see the same concept and relate it whether it is on a car or one of the trainers. I even compare it to all of the other electrical examples around them...He is another for instance...They use Solenoid, switches and relays everyday...Well that is if they have dispensed a soda at a resturant or mini quick store...Learning is fun...I tell them I strive to learn everyday...and so should they....it doesn't stop in the classroom.
Hi Gary,
Here where I work I am really fortunate to be able to have brand new vehicles that I am able to put real life problems into them, or I should say simulate real life problems. It gives the students real life experience and confidence that they have been able to repair something properly. It really gives them a grasp on how things work and gets them ready to enter the work force.
Chuck
Hi John,
What are some of the key ways you see using instructional style and student learning styles to improve content delivery? Do you have some examples that have proven to be successful for you that you can share?
Gary
Hi Chuck,
Well said. You have to create a blend between learning new content real world application and hands on skill development. What strategies have you found to work most effectively for you in this process?
Gary
Hi Joseph,
You are right about backing up your course content with examples that show relevance. What have you found to be the most effective method of getting your examples across to your students?
Gary
Pre assessments of students' learning styles and implementing audio-visual presentations as well as field visits to improve observational and manipulational learning.
Utilizing Instructional style and student learning styles to improve class room delivery.
I agree that keeping your training up to date is a must for the well being of the learner. I also think it is relevant to have the students have real world application and have hands on participation in what they are learning. When you can connect them all together it makes the leaning process a lot easier for the learner.
I think the best way to show the relevance of the content is to back it up with real life examples of how the material relates to the course and by exercises which show and then make the student demonstrate the learning and the value of the material. Experience has shown when they take ownership of the material they can find much relevance in the content of the course.
I constantly peruse web sites dedicated to the latest technical advances in my field, employment opportunities as well as ways for my students to make themselves more marketable.
Hi Laurie,
Good examples of blending different teaching strategies to make sure you are reaching your students. By being sensitive to the different learning needs of your students you are going to be more effective and efficient in your efforts.
Gary
Maintaining community contacts within the area that I teach helps me keep the content relevant. Juggling lecture with activity and individual as well as group activity keeps student interest high. If what is happening in the classroom is indicating poor understanding of the content then I adjust the method of providing the content until I see that it is understood.
Thank you, Dr. Meers. The online course has been extremely useful and informative to me. I will continue to access more of offered alternatives.
Hi Kyle,
You make a good point about knowing the knowledge base of your students. Having that baseline gives you an idea of where to position your instruction as you get ready to build on their knowledge.
Gary
