Strategies to make course content relevant would be to tie book learning into real world learning experiences. An example would be to take information contained in a textbook and tie it into a real world activity, such as reading how to write a prescription and then doing an exercise where you practice writing prescriptions while someone plays the role of Doctor and provides verbal information.
I feel by dividing the calss into groups where all learning styles are represented can benifit by student interaction.also it encourages the group to work as a team.
I try to incorporate as many learning styles in to my class time as possible - not always by intention, it mostly just works out that way :) I have found that the instructor materials for some of the classes/textbooks is very good at offering different teaching techniques for their material. I try to take advantage of what is offered so I can spend my time focusing on the class/students.
At the beginning of a session, I post a Class Introduction Discussion Board and ask students to introduce themselves. I ask them to respond to specific questions such as their location, current position, purpose for taking the course, professional goals, how the course will help them achieve their professional goals, and where they see themselves in 5, 10, and 15 years. Some responses are very terse, but I have found those who excel expand on these questions. Whether terse or expository, I gain insight into their needs and what is important to them. This insight underpins my approach to introducing and maintaining the relevancy of the content of the course. It allows me to make meaningful connections pertinent to each individual’s goals.
I like to be aware of the Kolb's learning styles and offer students visuals, cohort groups and models.
Ditto! Each class requires a variety of methods.
I use a variety of methods but mostly short lectures followed by hands on demostrations. The students engage in activities in a small group setting. I try to relate the content to every day life in the profession.
Hi Albert,
Good strategy because as you have experienced these are the two most common learning preferences. This lets the students settle into their preferred learning mode but also lets them work in the other so they get experience in it as well. In the work world all communication and interaction will not be in their preferred learning mode and they are going to have to work in others as well so the more experience they have in them the better they are going to be in the end.
Gary
When i plan my course i make sure i have at least two different formats geared to both visual and hands on learning because these usually will compliment most of the students.
I try to offer a varied style which would not become repetitive nor boring.
By using media, textbook and real life examples I would hope to capture everyone's attention and assist them in retaining.
I use scenarios related to the task at hand, this makes it more real to the student.
Hi Mary,
You are doing a great job of offering variety in your delivery. This is important both to target the different learning preferences in your class but also to keep the students engaged. This is what good teaching is all about.
Gary
You do a great job Kenneth. Practice makes perfect, the more they utilize something the better chance they will have to retain it. I find in my computer classes if I show them how to do the task, have them practice one, and than do another one they have grasped the concept. I remember this is why I got into teaching in the first place.
Joan Adkins
This can be and is very difficult at times as there are so many various learning styles. I try my best to change up the style in each class. For instance, I may lecture for a portion of the class, followed by the students working in groups, and then end the class with topic discussions. I also found that visual aids work well for most, regardless of the learning style.
In order to support all my students, I use a combination approach to my lessons. I lecture, then demonstrate, then have the students demonstrate or do an exercise, and come back together to review the concept.
Distinct approaches to teaching methods, content instruction, and curriculum organization come and go over the years (i.e. “Accelerated Learningâ€). It is unrealistic to expect that a particular approach will be successful for all learners. This expectation only leads to disappointment and another swing of the education pendulum. Instead of an either-or mentality, many experienced instructors know that using the best of a variety of approaches benefits many learners. Instructional tools must be carefully and intentionally adapted to accommodate individual learners. Only in this way will all students have an opportunity for success.
I use powerpoint slides for the visual learner and add a lecture style with examples to make it more real.
I use several different methods of teaching on a daily basis. I try to constantly keeping my students brains moving using hands-on, demonstration, lecture, etc. This has proven effective not only for keeping them alert but also varying the way they intake the data being given. Students learn at different speeds and obtain information in different ways....this seems to cover all bases....
I have found that I have been able to make small modifications to help out different styles. In my class there is a lot of detailed steps that need to take place to complete a project. I have one student that hates to read each individual step. So I have given them my TAG (this is the steps in a condensed from) Instead of reading how to get from A - B the student has to figure out their own path. This has really helped out the student and it took no extra work on my time.
Hi Bonnie,
What are some strategies you use to select the way you are going to deliver your instruction?
Gary
