David,
Right you are. You need to have the total package so you show your students that you are prepared and that you are reinforcing everything you say through a number of different venues such as lecture, media, discussions, etc..
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Asides from having good presentation skills like good pronunciation and a prepared lecture I think it is important to include different media in the lecture. This will not only make the lecture more dynamic but will as well take into account the different learning styles that students have.
Julie,
Good way to blend the different experience levels of your students. Your use of visuals helps to seal the content in the minds of your students because they are seeing as well as hearing the information they need to learn.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Anthony,
All great ways to get students to see the relevancy of the content being taught as well as make application. This format helps to reinforce the value of the course to the students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I like to bring in visual aids that actually relate to the lecture/lab that we are doing. I let the student pass it around, play with, ask questions. I also ask the more advanced students to show how they use the item so other students who may be struggling with it can get another view.
Hypotheticals are the best way in my experience because students can then apply the concept to a new situation. Trial and error on their part, conceptually. Examples go hand in hand with this technique too.
Tiffany,
Good point about the value and effectiveness of lectures. They can be very effective if they are packaged in a way that will engage students. Sounds like you have such an approach with your delivery.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Effective Lectures does not have to be dry. It is possible to cover your course objective for that class session. Feeling the class out is a good way to determine which route you will take. I think asking questions to get the brain juices going is great especially if it becomes a debate which challenges the students to think outside of the box.
Monir,
Good flow for your class. This way you will keep their attention during the lecture while offering them application opportunities through the interactions sessions.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
When I have lecture in class, I try to have students attention with interaction and asking question after each 10 minutes of lecture.
Mark,
Like your approach because you are making real world and not so real world applications of algebra. Nothing says that learning algebra can't be fun. Hadn't thought about the role zombies play in the world of algebra but I am sure there is one.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Algebra can seem abstract at times. I've learned the benefit of having a real-world example (or two) that involves the topic we are discussing. It shows the application of math in everyday situations (the proverbial "story problem").
Every now and then, I'll throw in an "unreal-world" story problem -- something involving zombies, fleeing felons, radioactive cheese, ballistic missiles or politicians in jail. (Okay, maybe the last one counts as "real-world").
Maritza,
Students like variety and change of pace in their learning. When you provide both of these approaches you are appealing to the different learning preferences of your students and this will increase their engagement in the course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I think it is important to change your class depending on your subjects. You can play games while teaching a subject and next time do group discussions, etc. It is important to make it interesting as well as encourage active learning.
B. A.,
The more relevancy you introduce into your course the more valuable it will be to your students. You effort to find the latest data and examples of application of content is to be commended because you are showing your students how their learning efforts today will result in a stronger future for themselves.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
If you can mix in examples of how the materials presented will help the students in their final outcomes of using those materials and information in their careers, the information seems to take hold in their minds more effectively. I try to give the students up to date information and examples so that the class information can actually help them be more productive professionals. It takes ongoing research on my part but it does seem to make the learning experience for the students much more interesting and productive in the long run.
Wayne,
Students like change of pace and variety in their learning. You are providing both in your approach and this increases their engagement level as well as focus.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
It is always important to provide a varied learning environment for students by using various teaching methods. I try to use audiovisuals as well as teaching and activities to keep the students engaged.
Charles,
I use a lot of guest speakers in my classes as well because they increase the motivation levels of my students. They help to make real what is being studied and that gets the students excited about what is being taught.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
the dental field is broad, having many guest lecturers will help students understand other aspects of the field and they will be able to help their patients achieve optimal health.
