Different people have different modes of learning, so the method of delivery has to vary to make the content accessible to all. Also, humans always need variety to continue to be interested in something; this applies to instructional delivery in classes they attend, as much as id does to food, entertainment, or their physical surroundings.
Each student uses a different style, or combinations of styles, to learn more effectively. You need to break class up with different delivery methods to keep your students awake in class!
I teach a computer programming class and I thought I was doing a good job of keeping it student centered. It is all hands on! I show them how to do it and they follow along on their computers. Recently, a conversation with a student helped me to see that none of the lesson time was student-centered. The entire class was spent with me talking and them following along.
The student suggested showing them how to do something and then giving them a chance to do it themselves in a similar context. I implemented that idea the very next class!
Now, I introduce a new feature and then give them 20-30 minutes to create their own program using that new feature.
I'm glad I listened to the feedback! The class flows much better now, and the students are implemented the concepts more competently.
Based on my experience, I've found that students dislike monotonous. It is easier to remember certain materials when presented in varied methods. ~ Sandra
Hi Audrey,
What are some methods you use to introduce learning through different learning preferences? Thanks in advance for sharing your ideas.
Gary
Every student learns in different ways. You have to be able to adapt different teaching styles, so that the students will benefit and be sucessful.
I think it is important because you have a group of students with a vast array of experiences and abilities. When you vary your instructional delivery you can appeal to everyone's style and make it more of a interesting class and inclusion of all the students
First of all not each instructional delivery method is suited to a particular student. Varying the methods can effectively teach a greater number of students.
Second, sticking to one delivery method can be tedious at times, and "spicing" things up by changing the way you deliver content can keep the class focused and interested.
Hi Victoria,
The use of visual media and actual cases helps the students to "connect the dots" between the classroom and real life. This really helps with motivation as you know. Keep up the good work.
Gary
For me is great the use of Power Points,many students are visual, but giving them examples of the topic is great, they start to participate more.
When I gave them this examples of clinical cases, real life cases, they start identifying themselves or their families and friends in this health cases and they understand better.
When several methods are employed i.e. lecture, discussion, group work, demonstration, case presentation, it provides opportunities for students to grasp the concepts, and learn the skills more. It adds meaning and application to the learning experience.
It is important to use varied instructional delivery methods because students learn differently and to keep the environment active and engaging.
Hi Sandra,
Thank you for those kind words. They are greatly appreciated. Keep sharing your excitement for your field and remember you are helping to create a future for your students through your efforts.
Gary
I believe it is my job to help students succeed in the course that I am teaching. I am going to try to do as muxh as I can to help them learn the content of the course. For example, since the attention span of an adult is only 15 to 18 minutes I am going to break up my lectures to ensure a greater retention.
This unit was very helpful for me. Thank you!
It is important to offer varied instructional delivery because learner styles are varied: some prefer written word; others auditory; others visual with graphs or video; and others prefer tactile instruction along with a demo and a repeat demo returned.
different students learn by different forms of instruction. By offering visual, audible and tactile learning the students can learn according to their own learning method.
Students have different learning needs, using a varied instructional approach provides a learning aspect for approxiamately 98% of the students within my class.
It is important to offer a variety of instructional delivery methods because each student learns differently. Also depending on the content of the material it can determine which delivery method to use. I also think that it keeps things interesting and it is important to be creative and keep our students awake.
I like using different delivery methods for two basic reasons. First, it helps me to ensure that students get the most of the class period and information being presented. Sometimes you can look at your students and see that your current delivery method is not working. By changing methods you can sometimes get the information across better. Second, our classes are usually 3 1/2 hours. I think that changing the delivery method periodically throughout the class helps keep the students focused. Boredom is a big challenge, especially with night classes.
Erin
It is my practice to introduce a modicum of Socratic teaching in each of my classes with a view towards helping my students achieve a level of self awareness because I belive in the final analysis, that should be the real focus of learning. Even if one is learning a necessary technical component, there is an important intellectual aspect of that exercise that represents the potential for future innovation and change.
Joe
