People learn differently and it keeps everyone alert.
Wendy,
You are helping your students to learn using variety and learners need variety to stay engaged. I complement you for your effort as a new instructor and the learning resources you are introducing to your students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
It is important to address as many learning styles as possible providing students multiple pathways for learning the material and also to capture as many students as possible.
I found with my students, that the previous teacher was mostly a "lecture only" teacher. By providing the students with videos, personal stories, etc., their interest began to peak more and they began asking more questions and became much more interactive.
Gary,
Right you are about the need for change of pace and variety in the classroom. We have the resources if we will take the time to incorporate them.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I think we've all sat through monotone lecture after lecture in our careers as students and would have given anything for a little variety. With all the modern technology at our fingertips in the classroom these days, we owe it to our students to provide instruction from different sources. Not only is it engaging for the student, but it is also fun for us to be creative as instructors.
Jennifer,
This is very true for adult learners. They need variety and change of pace if they are to stay engaged. So through mini-lectures (15-20 minutes) then activities the students will state on task and the course will be able to move forward at the desired pace.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Offering varied instructional delivery is important to cover different learning groups in your class.Be creative in chosing the variety of learning technics
By offering a variety of teaching methoids you keep your class interesting. Variety is the spice of life and keeps four hour lecture classes doable.
I think with adult students variety is key to keeping thier attention. Adults tend to get bored (much like children) with lecture. If you can add some variety it helps keep them interested in what they are learning. I like to allow students to use the internet sometimes to find answers to questions I may not know and let them teach the class a little :)
In a classroom setting, different people come together with different learning styles. By presenting variety of methods, we offer opportunity to each individual to receive material with the method which suit them. We can't just cater to one student. We need to take care of each individual.
because of the variety of learning styles and the benefit of keeping the class's attention
Caryn,
You have quite a task. That is a lot of material to cover. Sounds like you have developed a host of strategies that enable you to get through the material while engaging the students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I agree that some courses have been condensed to be taught in a short period of time making it challenging for an instructor to deliver the material. I teach A&P and required to teach 19 chapters in only 5 weeks. The other challenge is supporting students in retaining information to prepare for their licensing exam. Variety, repetition, and staying closely connected with the students is imperative for success.
It is important to offer a variety of instructional delivery methods to reach the different types of learners. It will enhance the learning enviroment and help students to connect better to the information and retain it. It also creates a learning enviroment that they look forward to.
Jared,
You are teaching is a tough situation because you need to engage the students immediately and then share with them content that they may not be too excited about. Your approach is a good one because you are using variety and fun to communicate your topic.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Once again, I am a librarian who does most of my instruction in one-shot sessions lasting anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour. This makes it crucial to try and engage students with the content, because I probably will not have the opportunity to repeat it to them later (at least not in class). Most of the material has to be presented in some form of lecture format, but I do incorporate visuals and humor. I also usually demonstrate the use of online resources and encourage the students to follow along if we are in a computer lab. If I have more time, I will present them with an activity or problem to solve and observe as they do it.
This is a great idea. As an instructor being aware of different learning styles and what works best for your students is key. Varying your daily lectures helps to not only reach more students with different learning styles, but can also keep class interesting for students.
Hi Nancy,
I also switch things up and do things I am not entirely comfortable with. I prefer to lecture for longer periods of time, but as of late, I have been trying to to the mini-lectures to keep my students focused, broek up with "jeopardy" or hangman (I'm teaching medical terminology right now) breaks. I like the idea for jingles though - I think it will come in handy with their upcoming classes in retention of information.
Tammy,
What a great background you have. Elementary teachers get so many different strategies to use in their training. I find that most of them apply to adults as well so they have many educational tools they can use to engage their adult students. I wish you much success in your teaching.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
