I think that this is excellent Brenda!! It sometimes helps the students engage and do the learning themselves rather than you doing all the lecture.
I try to mix it up with alot of different varieties, it all depends on the material we are covering. I have used hands on, my students have taken field trips, and I use lectures with powerpoints. I also like to go back and think about how I was taught the material I am teaching and use some of my instructors ideas also.
I utilize different teaching styles through out the course. The styles vary primarily based on the content for the day.
Some days, I briefly introduce the material, move quickly into demonstration and allow students to practice "hands on".
Other days, I lecture over the assigned content and use examples and case studies to provide "real life" applications.
I make sure that there is some lecture, some visual aids, some group work and some application in most all of my topics. Also demonstration and use of models or real life equipment.
I try ande accomodate by using more than one form of instructuinal material. I use the projector and show youtube videos that help emphasize text material. I lecture, use crosswords, puzzles, interviews and look for ways to get the students to stand or move to relay course material.
I relate the material their major. We spend a lot of time talking about employer expectations in their field and how it relates to course content.
Hi Scott,
When student bring in articles such as those you mentioned this is when you should get an "aha" moment. They have connected the dots between the classes they are taking and the world in which they live. This is what it is all about and why teaching is so much fun.
Gary
I teach Paralegal and Criminal Justice students, and I find that it is helpful to bring in current events that reinforce material we have discussed in class. It's hard to pick up a newspaper that does not have several articles related to the law. It is particularly gratifying when students bring such articles to class and make the connection between course content and the "real world."
Hi Roy,
I hear you about making it personal for students. If you make it relevant, make it applicable, and make it personal the message gets through. Keep up the good work.
Gary
Hi Craig,
It will become easier as you say and before long you will be able to focus in on the different preferences and see how the students receive and decode new information.
Gary
Depending on the course I am currently teaching, I find a way to bring the aspects of that cours to the student on a personal level from my life and viewpoint and also try to involve them to relating it to their life and viewpoint.
I often use debates- it livens the class and leads to a diversity of opinions.
Going through these training, this topic was that most unfamiliar topic and one that I need to personally work on the most. I am sure that I will be able to recognize types better with more teaching experience. Thanks for all the responses
Craig Couillard
Hi Hsinpo,
This is a great example of making it "real" for your students. This way they get to see, smell and touch the items that can contribute to good health while studying the reasons for their use from a nutrition standpoint. This has to make a big impact on your students.
Gary
Hi Stephen,
By doing the consulting and keeping your contacts up in the field you are showing your students the relevancy of your field. You are bringing real world experiences to them as result of you being in the field on a regular basis. This really helps in the development of respect as well.
Gary
A variety of strategies can be used to make the course relevant. For example. While teaching Qi Gong course, nothing is better than the use of a videotape to demonstrate to the students that all Oriental martial arts practitioners have been using Qi Gong skills to tap the potential energy of the human mind and body and the doctors of Oriental medicine have been using such theories and techniques for the treatment of various diseases. When teaching the Food Therapy course in traditional Chinese Medicine, I often take my students on a field trip to the local Oriental market, which can serve as a better classroom.
In an effort to ensure the course content is relevant I try to keep myself informed on changes in the field as well as employer expectations. I also like to maintain contacts and do some consulting on the side as well.
I always include as part of my lesson plans various styles of learning in order to accommodate the different learning styles. I include videos, visuals, note taking through the use of power points, etc. This way, students of all learning styles and their learning needs can be met.
I have them give short presentations on something in our subject matter that is of interest to them. It tells me where they are at and gives them an opportunity to develop their verbal skills as a big part of the work they will do is client education and interaction.
I do engage them in a variety of learning experiences outlined in the course such as verbal, tactile, visual, etc. Variety seems give them differnet opportunities to shine.
Hi Joseph,
This is a procedure that many instructors do not do. By conducting such analysis you have the baseline from which you can develop your content.
Gary
