I don't start teaching my first class until April 5, so I haven't had an opportunity yet to implement strategies. I would want to make sure that my students understand the content and I would implement all the different learning styles so that students fully understand the content and are able to apply it.
Hi Dr. Meers-
I try to mix real-world examples in with the text-book lectures. For example, in my Introductory Garde Manger class, I name local stores that carry examples of the cheeses we are tasting and encourage them to browse on their time off. I encourage them to wander in and out of grocery stores all the time to look at product in the real world.
Laura
Hi Heather,
This method helps to get the students invested in the course because of the input they have contributed. This increases both retention and engagement.
Gary
I ask students how they "like to learn" and use their feedback to create my lesson plans. This can create additional work in tweaking your lesson plans, if need be, but I think the students get a lot more out of class if they feel they have a voice in how they want to learn.
Hi Steve,
I would be looking for examples of how psychology is used to sell products to people. I use a lot of examples from the advertising field to illustrate how psychology is used and applied. I also use examples from how products are branded. Just a couple of ideas that may be of help to you.
Gary
By using materials that are currently in use in the field during labs, and discussing aproaching changes in field, the relevance of the course is emphasized.
I am in the beginning stages of attempting to develop relevant activities for students in an entry level psychology class. I want to avoid relying on lecture and provide "hands-on" oppty as much as possible. I am exploring ideas but not sure, at this point, what will be most helpful to students transition to world of work.
Hi Lola,
This is a good way to prepare but also it helps to get you excited about the material since you will have just gone through it. This is a win win for both you and the students.
Gary
the use of proper equipment and paperwork
The first and most important aspect of my instruction planning is to read and understand what I will be teaching the students. Look through various options of the best method of getting the information across clearly to the students such as use of visual aides and any other recommended demonstrations. Prepare to use any assigned activity study such as group activity and questions.
Hi Andrea,
Thank you for sharing these strategies with us. These are great ways to involve students in the application of their newly acquired knowledge and refine the development of their skill sets.
Good support for the students as they complete this phase of their educational journey.
Gary
I try to vary my instructional delivery style during each class. I try to use one syle for 15 minutes while coversing one piece of information. Then I switch to another style for 15 minutes, while covering another. After an hour I give a break and start again.
Knowing the limitations of ones students is the key to providing them with the necessary course content for their success. Having a wide variety of types of students based on age,experience and learning ability means different types of teching styles need to be implemented to reach everyone.This also keeps the day proceding at an interesting and fun speed. Clearly outlining the days agenda, work schedule and goals for each kitchen class that I teach is a must. Students like to have a time line presented at the beginning of the day...spot checks on progress and an open question asking policy are always helpful. Extra work for those that complete the task fast is an additional must. Positive critiques with constructive suggestions for improvement are always the correct way to end production.Just a few suggestions that work for me.
What i have found to be most effective in my sessions are practical hands on examples. I teach a particular application and lecture on the material but i have found that until the students put the lecture material to practice it is very difficult for them to grasp the consept.
I continually bring "in-the-field" examples to students in order to illustrate relevancy and application, often stressing the monetary aspect as well.
Hi Eric,
Good way to keep the class flowing and the students engaged. You are offering your students variety and that is very important as you well know in keeping students engaged and forward focused.
Gary
Dear Dr. Meers
Working in the culinary field allows me to use tactile, audio, and visual every day. Creating a rapport with my students as I demonstrate culinary techniques through my years of study in the field, gives my students a security of my knowledge and the technical goals that they should be striving to reach.
I have tested with the class periodically to see what they prefer for the two-hour period we are together twice each week. As a result, I open with a quick review of what we should cover for the day, and offer some amount of flexibility where I believe it won't disrupt the effectiveness of what I wish to cover.
There is usually a PPT production of some kind, along with interaction from the students as the PPT is presented. We answer any questions from assigned chapters together - this can be before or after the PPT, depending on whether or not I believe the lecture before addressing the questions will be more helpful.
Lately, we have been doing a gathering of chairs / tables in a circle so we can more directly dialogue with each other on the current subject.
by having students read prior to lecture you reach one type of learner, then presenting the lecture will reach the auditory learner, and powerpoint helps the visual learner and the tactile learner will learn some by other methods or presentation by mostly utilizing homework and hands on during lab to learn.
I have quickly learned to break the lecture and get into some other kind of activity that makes it easy for them to engage with both me and with each other.
I clearly make good use of PPTs for written and auditory learning, as I speak to enhance the slides being shown.
I'm still searching out additional creative approaches to what could otherwise end up being long, informative but tiring lectures. A few focused projects this last quarter have helped with a type of "hands on" approach to learning.
