The mini-sessions really assist with changing it up to the needs of the students learning style. Not sticking to one teaching style makes you well rounded as well.
I attempt to provide multiple learning styles throughout the four week modules we teach in. Often I will flip the class by going straight into the lab for a demonstration and then return to the classroom for discussion of the demonstration.
Most of our students state in their introduction that they learn by doing. That is true for well over 90% of them and while our program is geared for them I keep in mind those that learn other ways and blend that in as well.
I use many techniques such as having the students role play with each other, practice on manikins, watch videos, lecture,peer to peer, and demonstrate hands on applications. I found that this hits on all of the learning types and each student benefits as well as making the class more engaging.
People learn in different ways. "There are many different learning styles. "hey can be broken down into four major categories".
1. Written Word - Knowledge is acquired best through the written word. Reading is the preferred way of gaining knowledge.
2. Auditory - Listening to presented information and retaining the major portion of what has been heard.
3. Visualization - Seeing pictures, diagrams, and illustrations enables the learner to grasp the concepts being presented.
4. Tactile - Involves touch and manipulative activities. Requires eye-hand-body coordination.
Iusually break my lectures into approximately 15 minute groups, seperated by approximately 15 to 20 minute hands-on applications. While they are doing the hands-on work, I usually go around the classroom checking on their work.
Our typical students are not familiar with how college courses are set up. They oftentimes need stimulation or you see them growing restless. I often lecture 1/2 of the class and do an activity that relates to the class the last half. most of the times the students interact very well and gain something meaningful from the experience.
I think in order instruct all your students effectively, you will first need to determine what type of learners each of your students are. It is not my opinion that this can be done immediately on the first day of class but rather of the course of the program. I also think that it is vital for your to determine this sooner rather than later to keep all of you students engaged.
Ellen,
You are doing a good job with the variety of instructional delivery you are offering. I believe that individuals need to learn how to take in information through other venues than just their one learning preference. The reason is that we all know that once in the workplace it is their job to receive the information and do something with it. Often it will not be in their learner preference but in the most convenient way so they need to be able to take in information in a multiple of ways even it if is not in their preference area.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
This can be challenging in a clinical setting where so much is geared toward tactile learners, but I do include video presentations, hand-outs, mini-lectures, and demonstrations.
Edward,
I think based upon my many years in education that it is a mistake as well to give a student the idea that he or she has a learning type through which they take the majority of their information. I like to look at students and their learning preferences. As individuals we may have preferences for learning such as reading or visual presentations but we also need to learn how to take in information via other ways. The reason is that out in the workplace they don't really care what our preferences are they present the information in a way that works for them and we had better get it or we won't be there long.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I use a mixture of lecture, demonstration, video support and hands-on application.
Personally, I understand that people learn different ways, but I don't think that if someone has a tactile orientation, that they cannot learn anything from lecture or demonstration.
My son's school has him convinced that he cannot learn from reading, and I strongly disagree with presenting younger students with a "diagnosis" of a given learning type.
I try to vary my instructional methods. I attempt to have each lecture include a power point, lecture, question/answer period, and hands on portion.
I find that the short lecture with lab works best for all day. Mixing it up keeps it fresh and the chances of retention are greater.
The best way to accommodate the different learning preferences of the students is to make sure to vary your learning methods. Instead of lecturing the whole class, an instructor can stop and do a demonstration, add a discussion, and give the students an assignment to apply the skills.
By using a variety of methods that should encompass most if not all of my students.
I teach designers so their primary learning style is visual. Knowing this I make sure to use many visual learning methods. But I also use other methods as a variety is necessary to keep their interest and focus.
I think that it is important to remember that although everyone has their preferred learning preference, most everyone can learn using all of the learning styles. With that it mind, I start off considering how I can teach the content using all of the learning styles. This allows me to cover the content multiple ways to help ensure the students get the concept.
Summer,
It is good for instructors to check for understanding frequently as you move through the course. This way their feedback can help you to revisit areas that need further explanation or illustration.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Summer,
I teach from 4 until 10 pm so I can appreciate your comments about keeping students engaged. You are using a variety of delivery formats as well as breaking up the sessions so the students can reset their brains and retain their focus. I commend you for these efforts as you strive to move students through a long session class.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Many times I ask my students what they feel helps hem understand the most and how I can change to help pthem understand the content better.
