It is important to offer varied instructional delivery methods in class because you have different learning styles to meet within the student population and you also want to offer variety to maintain student interest. In addition, different objectives are met through different delivery methods.
It is important because we have students that learn in different ways. We must adhere to all students and try different methods to reach all students.
Kathy,
Spoken like a dedicated and focused educator and I compliment you for that. This is what enables you to engage your students and keep them focused throughout the duration of your classes. If you bring enthusiasm and passion to the classroom your students will share in these emotions and the result will be a positive learning experience for all.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Albert,
Your last sentence puts it all together so well. Learners like variety and change of pace no matter the content. You are doing that with a challenging subject like physics without a lab. Tough assignment but one that you are doing well. Keep up the good work.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I know we just learned a lot about why it is super valuable for keeping the students attentive and hitting as many learning styles as possible increases the likelihood if retention :)
But I've gotta say that variation on the delivery method keeps me awake and interested too! If I had to just go in and use one method for every session I would not be able to keep it up! The freedom to move and change and be flexible lets me take another approach if I am finding little response from my audience. I know I have options and can keep going if something bombs or falls apart in any way.
Kathy
"Variety is the spice of life", so it is said. Teaching a course like physics in a non lab setting is quite a challenge. But giving in to ONLY the lecture method is not a good idea and can lead to a very dry and monotonous course. This is why demos, videos, problem solving and any other methods available are important to augment the lecture. Varying methods should be used during each class so the tempo and focus are kept fresh. If a school does not provide equipment ( my situation) obtain inexpensive toys or household items to use for demos. Perhaps students can bring things into class from their homes or work place. Nothing dangerous, of course. Conclusion: Variation of methodology is essential to keep a class fresh and interesting.
It is important to deliver the different instructional methods so all student can understand the concepts and ideas presented by the instructor.
James,
Good points about how to engage adult learners. Students like change of pace and variety. The more we can offer these two methods within our courses the more students will see the value of the content and be able to work within their learning preferences.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Students or in this case adult learners learn throught several different methods. The average adult attention span is 15-18 minutes. It is necessary to provide a varied presentation style to keep students' attention. By offering a variety of delievry methods the educator allows the students the opportunities to receive the material in a way that best suits them. It is important to use as many different methods as possible.
Ana,
Learners like variety and change of pace. The more you can use either or both the more engaged your students are going to be. In addition, just as you mention you will be appealing to the different learning preferences represented in your students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
It is important to offer a variety of instructional delivery methods because we all learn differently. Some of us are more visual that others, some hands on, some learn best by reading. By offereing a combination it facilitates it for all to learn the material.
Jennifer,
This is the value of student feedback. Each time you teach a course you gain additional insight on how to improve your delivery as a result of what the students share with you. Feedback is a real growth opportunity.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I try to use course feedback/surveys from students to alter my delivery method. Something as simple as not directly reading a PowerPoint slide, never occured to me until it showed up in a student survey.
Elizabeth,
Learners like variety and change of pace. When we offer both in our instructional delivery we are providing them opportunity to engage their brains and focus on the content being shared. Plus, student satisfaction with the course goes up as well.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Everyone of the students we teach has a million things going on in that particular day. Everyone of the students learns in a different way. It is our job to bring their attention into the discussion for that day and provide the best method for them to learn. By offering different methods of delivery we hope to reach everyone of those students.
Ruth Ann,
I use guided notes with my PP slides as well. These guides really help the students to get the essential core concepts down but as a result of having the guides they don't feel overwhelmed in trying to write down every word that is said.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
This allows all learning abilities to gain from your class. If I am giving a lecture, I use powerpoint and a study guide that the students must fill in. This helps those who are visual, auditory and sometimes the kinestetic learners because I speak it, it is shown on the powerpoint and they must write down responses.
I understand that in any classroom setting there is always a variety of learning styles among the students. Therefore I vary the style of delivery on each and every topic. I may begin with a short lecture, then show a video, have an open discussion on the topic and then do a hands on session. I follow up the in the next class with a Q and A session on the topic.
I think it is absolutely important to offer a variety of material and utilize different methods to keep students interested. One reason is because students have different learning styles; some are comfortable with a lecture format while others prefer group activity or physical demonstrations.
I also like to utilize different methods to ensure that the lectures don't become monotonous and that I constantly have something different to engage students.
Sherri,
Learners crave change of pace and variety in their classes. The model you are using enables them to learn, apply and refine their knowledge and skills in the course content while experiencing personal growth in their knowledge base. Good strategy.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
