I hand out my power points on paper so the individuals that can't take notes as fast as others can sit and listen instead of stressing on getting all the notes. They can add notes to any section and listen to the rest. This is especially helpful for dyslexic students.
I teach Hematology- The students seem to pick up on things a little quicker with more hands on. I have added little things that have happened to me in a clinic setting to get the point across when in comes to needle sticks, PPE, etc.
In the program I instruct, there are several courses that contain what the students consider to be peripheral content in the curriculum. To demonstrate their relevance to the curriculum, I incorporate content from the core classes and demonstrate the connection between the topics.
I generally give my lectures on power point and I add pictures or videos related to the topic in between which I find interests the student and they get a better understanding of the topic. I also include different scenarios in my lecture and when we reach that point, I break my lecture and do a role play. I teach Medical Office Program and have found that by including role plays within the lectures actually prepares them for the career. I end my lecture with a question and answer and a discussion session where each student participates and those who were not so clear about the topic before tend to understand it better in the end.
I find the most successful implementation of course content is having the students actively participate in each phase of the learning process. I seem to be more successful with demonstrations instead of lectures.
I first must identify the learner preferences among my students, which, with engagement, should not be difficult to determine. I am an instructor who likes to personalize the learning experience in every class I conduct, therefore, by paying close attention to the learning style and preference of each student, I can prepare for individualized instruction before each class. For example, I have one student in my online class whose reading comprehension is, well, limited. Each week, I personalize ideas for him to try in his readings by going over with him, via email, very carefully his reading assigments and what points he should have gleaned. This results in discussion where he can apply reading concepts in his assignments. It's wonderful to watch as his submitted work improves each time.
When I have large classes, I try to group the learners according to learning preferences, so I can do the same thing - individualize. Planning of course, is key, and knowing your students is vital.
Hi Mary,
I was wondering if you teach Kinesiology with your reference to agonist? Then, do you just put the Mentos into Coke and have them watch?
I love to do demonstrations as well. I teach Anatomy & Physiology and feel demos and models really get the point across. Drawings and cartoons also add, because it is another way to represent the concepts and more exciting than just lecturing or reading text.
Lori
I agree. I love to bring examples to my lecture. It shows my students how much I love my job.
My experience has shown that the best learning is that which the student learns, then does, then teaches some one else. For instance, my children on in Montesorri School and the classes consist of 1st, 2nd and 3rd graders. The 1st graders at learning from the upper classes and the upper classes refine their skills by assisting the lower classes as they continue to develope their own skills. It is very interesting to see and is very effective.
Some of the strategies I have used to make the course relevant and applicable to the learning needs of the students was in the setup of the laboratory to 'mimic' the setting of a health information department and they were given assignments exactly as the type of work they would do on the job scene. I think this gives the students a clear understanding of why the information is important AND how they will actually use the information learned.
It is important that you try to accomadate all students ways of learning. Not all students learn the same way. It is important that as an instructor you learn how to dealwith all students.
I provide handouts and overheads for those who learn visually and models of objects for those who learn by tactile stimulation.
Thanks Talyon. I will work on changing my content to be a little more fun so the students will be motivated to attend class.
Jackie
i look for exciting, edcucational and entertaining content
I have always been an hands on person. While the instructor was explaining a task I would make sure I had something in front of me to work out the task. ie. cutting a kindney or liver.
I use a variety of methods such as: blackboard,
I work with the students one on one at their computers while they are writing their resumes and try and engage them by asking relevant questions in regard to the lecture.
I use drawings and cartoons to provide visual. I use demonstrations for concepts. For example I use Mentos and Coke for helping to explain agonist.
How do you plan your instruction to accommodate the different learning preferences of your students?
There are several ways in which I prepare my instruction in order to accommodate the different learning needs of each of my students. I usually provide students with a power point presentation along with some items that they can touch. This way, audio and visual learners can learn from actually hearing me lecture while those that are tactile learners can hold the printed out version of the power point presentation. I make sure that each student is able to learn the material that is being presented and if there I always ask them for suggestions on how I can make my presentations better for their individual needs.
By relating the lecture to the type of vehicle that the student drives on a daily basis.
Hi Erin,
I commend you for your adaptation of your instructional delivery to meet the needs of your students in relation to the content of your course. The use of case studies really helps the student to understand how they can apply what they have just learned. This leads to higher content retention and student interest.
Gary
