Hi Sherri,
I like your diverse approach to instructional delivery. Thanks for sharing the strategy about using certificates as rewards. Students really like these as they are evidence beyond grades that they are doing a good job.
Gary
I think it is very important for myself as an educator to offer many types of instructional delivery. lecturing, group projects, visual aids and also adding my own personal touches to each one. Often times I will incorporate games into the summarizations of learning and offer small prizes to the winners. Students especially love certificates of achievement, because it is a wonderful part they can add to a resume. Rewarding them with certificates also helps to build self confidence and self esteem.
Learning styles is the first thing that comes to mind. Everyone learns differently to enfgage all learners and make sure they are able to apply what is being taught as part of your lesson teachers must make an efforet in the lesson to reach all the differnet learning styles
Using a variety of instructional methods addresses the different types of learning styles and maximizes group participation. It helps to reinforce significant concepts and keeps the content fresh.
Hi Audrey,
This is so true. Since many of our graduates are going to enter service fields they need to be able to think critically and problem solve. The more we can help them develop these skills the greater their satisfaction and success is going to be.
Gary
Someone, whom I have a lot of respect for, told me that if all you do is stand up and lecture, students will not be able to develop their critical thinking skills. This really stuck with me. It is important to ask questions and present case studies so that the students will begin to practice their knowledge in different settings.
Hi Donald,
Good summary of most of the classes we teach. With the variety of students we have we need to offer variety in our instructional delivery so learning can take place.
Gary
It is important to vary instructional delivery because everyone learns differently and on any given day or with different subject matter individual learning styles will vary.
Adult students have different comfort zones when asked to perform. Some like to answer questions asked in a group setting, some do not. Some like to think about it and give an answer after reflection. Some like to be competitive and some would rather seek consensus. If I vary instructional delivery, most will find their best time to participate.
We all learn differently and I think it is important to use those styles in the class room to capture the attention of everyone in the classroom; demonstrating different instructional delivery methods will touch on every learning style within class population.
Varied Instructional Styles will also help students know their own learning style and strengthen other areas. When they are called to do presentations, they will use the style that fits them best.
Offering a variety of delivery methods to a class is extremely important. In every class there will be students that learn in different ways and as instructors we must present the material in such a way that each student understands it. It also will help to keep the class energized. Classes can get boring if the instructor doesn't change it up every now and again. We've all been the student at some point and remember those boring classes.
Imagine listening to a radio station that plays the same song over and over. One would be reaching for the dial after a few times. People need some variety, even in the learning environment.
Hi Lois,
I really like your approach to helping your students be successful. You are using so many different methods that enable your students to use their learning preferences to acquire the needed knowledge and skills. Your class sounds fun and informative which as you know is the key for students of the diverse backgrounds to keep focused. Your Basket method is a great one. Thanks for sharing it.
Gary
Oh my goodness....my students' age range is from 18-58! I must address varied instructional deliveries and at times, and for certain topics, use several deliveries for the same topic.
I perform a Learning Style Assessment with my students on day one and provide tools for each learning style. This provides me with knowing how many auditory, visual and tactile learners I have as well as those who are a combination.
As an example, when lecturing on "The Bones" I have my students use Model Magic to create their favorite bone with extensive attention to detail. All age groups enjoy this activity and the activity reinforces a team spirit as they admire eachothers work.
Also, when instructing on the Cardiovascular System my students perform dissections of sheep hearts and identify structures. This is wonderful because they return their newly acquired knowledge back to me in a different format than received.
I also use an "Ask It Basket" whereby the students have index cards to write their questions that may go off topic, or even something unrelated that they always wanted to know. I collect them, research (if needed) and at the start of the following week we review the questions and answers.
We will continue to have a diverse student pool as long as adults continue to seek higher education. Applying a variety of instruction allows for all to gain the information that is delivered. Also, variety is the spice of life! If we continue to make it interesting and different each time we are presenting, it allows for more attention to the content and there will be more retention of the material.
Hi Ashley,
Right you are because students need to see alternative deliveries in their learning. This way they can work within their learning preferences but also know how to receive content through other ways. It gives them a greater educational foundation.
Gary
Not every student learns the exact same way. You want to meet the needs of all the students in a class. Even though students have a predominant way of learning, it is still best to cover different delivery methods to meet the needs of everyone.
To maximize the learning experience for students it is critical to provide a variety of instructional delivery methods. Each student learns or enjoys learning differently from the next student. The outcome of each lesson can also vary based on how it is presented. The simplest rule I use is - First ask – what senses (See, hear, say, touch and smell) does the student need to perform the outcome of the lesson? The answer will identify the best way to present the lesson.
Hi Gayle,
Good Circle of Instruction. Each part of the circle contributes to more effective and efficient instruction with constant improvement woven throughout. Well done.
Gary
Michael,
Wow--great quote and so true. I might have to steal that quote and use it!
