I am a kinetic learner as well as a kinetic teacher which means in a lecture-formatted class I need to present the class material in a visual and auditory meathod to accommodate all learners. Because I teach medical terminology, anatomy & physiology, therapeutic massage, juggling, two different martial arts systems and CPR, I get a great deal of practice presenting the course material in different ways. Teaching for the American Red Cross has given me additional instructor training to assist me in refining my presentational skills to a variety of different learners.
Visual and hands on activities
I like using the knowledge of what you have seen in the field. I think real life exsamples of what you have seen really makes the material matter in the students eyes
I try to incorporate power points, writing on the board, discussion groups, and anything else I think will work in the classroom. Since I have been diagnosed with ADD myself, it not only helps my students to stay focused on the subject, it is a big help to me as well!
Hi Cynthia,
Good strategy. Learners need variety and change of pace as they move through content. The more you can do this the greater the content retention is going to be.
Gary
Hi Jim,
Thanks for the good words. I wish you much teaching success.
Gary
I begin by assessing the learning needs of the students. This involves their participation and input concerning how they learn best. The course structure and timing is then designed to best accommodate the needs of the students and the content to be covered with follow-up evaluation.
I bring my knowledge and experiences from different jobs and share with students different ways I've applied the applications in the workplace. I use real world applications not just strictly "textbook" examples. Students need to have an idea what how to apply the applications to real world scenerios (that may not be perfect) unlike textbook examples.
This is a topic that I known about from observation and now have more insight on. Great lesson!
As most of my classes are lecture based I find that to stop regularly and discuss the lecture material allows students to stay engaged and I'm better able to assess whether the lecture has been understood.
I try to find different ways to present the same material.
Incorporating additional steps to labs to emphasize theories and laws covered in class.
I always remember that my students are adults. Adult learners are visual learners. So, I adopted a powerpoint lecture as an instructional method. I do consider that adult people have age-related changes with a vision and hearing (it is nothing to do with impaired vision or hearing). Generally, adult people are very sensitive to a very bright light or high-pitched sound. I do consider that when I am working on creating my powerpoints. During discussions I welcome my students to bring in their vast life experiences which might be related to the topic of discussion.
I try to accomate different styles of learning through the following methods
1. lecture for the auditory learner
2. powerpoints or charts for the visual learner
3. hands on labs for the kinesthetic learner
I have also found that many of my students have an "overlap" in leaning styles so I feel it's effective to vary the delivery methods for everyone in class.
I usually do lectures using auditory, visual and kinesthetic or hands on methods. For example, subjects like Neurology where a synapse is the topic, I make use of good pictures to explain verbally the transfer of neurotransmitters and follow it up with example of a disease like Parkinson's and try to actually imitate the symptoms of the disease and cite some famous people suffering from the disease to make it more interesting. Usually, a lecture like this, elicits a lot of feedback and questions from the students.
I am constantly looking for opportunities to instruct differently to change it up so to speak. I also pay close attention the first night of class to my students to gain a better understanding of the types of learners I have in the classroom.
make it relevant, applicable and try to make it personal should help get the message through.
by assessing each student and understand how different each person learn
In Psychology, I have assigned a behavior management activity to students. The students have to pick their own behavior and implement change using reinforcement and other methods. The student enjoy this assignment and they have a good opportunity to apply what they have learned.
Depending on the course in which I am teaching, I try to bring the material of the class to a professional level. I want to teach the students in a way they can use the material in a clinical practice setting. Allowing the students to realize in what scope of practice they choose after completing the course they will need to apply what they have learned.
