I'm sure people have seen this, but perform a web search for "learning pyramid" you will see different ways of presenting material and how much students retain per method. (You can try this link: http://siteresources.worldbank.org/DEVMARKETPLACE/Resources/Handout_TheLearningPyramid.pdf. It really opened my eyes the first time I saw it. I rarely do a straight lecture, I try to keep them as engaged as possible and I do lots of activities. Course sometimes they're difficult to find! And it also means that the teachers learn the most. That's also why I have them do a presentation on a topic they researched, to help them learn it very well.
This is so true, I try to include, visual, group discussion, a variety of exercises for reflection (read a poem: how does it speak to you today?", and organization skills, it keeps them thinking and makes them wonder what might be next.
It is important to deliver varied instructional delivery methods because we have students with different styles of learning and we want to make sure we reach everyone with our different methods of instruction..
Variety not only helps to enhance the attention span of students but avoids redundancy. Varying instructional delivery can display enthusiasm which is contagious, rubbing off on the students.
Lisa
Each person learns in their own way. If multiple methods are involved in imparting knowledge, then most everyone will have their learning needs met, and receive instruction from the instructor.
Offerign a variety of instructional delivery will address all types of learning styles while keeping students engaged.
To accomodate different learning styles and also to add variety to keep the learning interesting
This is so true, especially in classes where you may have a 19 year old and a range of ages from 22 to 50. I am constantly adjusting and re evaluating each segment of every class to "keep things moving" and give everyone a chance to shine.
I feel the main reason to vary methods is to keep your students interested in the material being presented. I have had instructors in the past that never varied their delivery and always spoke in monotone. Needless to say I wasn't ever too excited about attending their lectures and I'm sure that I didn't retain as much information as I would have from someone who used variety.
I would also think think that a variety of instructional delivery accentuates "out-of-the-box" and creative thinking. Sometimes, the variety or particular method can allow for a less regimented or structured environment promoting independent learning, streams of consciousness, and an appreciation from students (as they, as students and workers, often need a break from strict regimentation). Julie B. Krizan
It keeps it open to different learning styles and content. I enjoy getting my nursing classes interacting in the discussion in class. It allows us to use different learning methods and reach other students.
JS, RN, BSN
Every student is a unique individual interpreting and perceiving information differently. Variety can assist in effectively reaching students. Furthermore, variety can afford a more alert and interested classroom promoting stimulation and active thinking.
To best facilitate the learning process every instructor should utilize a variety is instructional methods. this should include, but not limited to, open subject debate, visual reinforcement through power point examples or physical samples, and substantive exchange both in an open setting and individually one on one with the student. this method covers all learning types.
Hi Monique,
You make a good point about the need for variety in your instructional delivery. I teach a 6 hour evening class, starting at 4:00 pm and ending at 10:00 pm. As you well know you have to work very hard to keep them engaged and focused during this time span. I always feel great at the end of the class when I feel that I have moved the students forward in their knowledge and they have left the class fully engaged.
Gary
I agree that it is extremely important to vary instructional delivery. Students are different; they have differing backgrounds and varying learning styles and abilities. Teaching through a variety of methods ensures that you do not leave anyone out of your lecture. If you teach using one style only, some of the students simply will not learn the content. Since the goal is for students to learn the content, it is the teacher's responsibility to ensure that the each student has an opportunity to learn by accommodating the various learning styles.
Another reason why this is important is that lecture classes can be extremely lengthy. As a matter of fact, I teach a four-hour long night class. After a student has worked during the day, they will likely be bored and irritated if I spend the entire four hours lecturing in one style.
I beleive it's important to teach variety of learning style because not all of your student learn the same and each has different past experiences.
Varied Instructional Delivery isi important to keept the students stimulated, interesteing and focused
To engage and make class interesting. It also keeps them focussed
You always have to keep in mind that everyone does not learn the same, so if you dont vary your instructional delivery than you will leave students in the gap and they will ultimalely become disinterested and possbiley drop your course.
Again it is extremely important to teach using all learning styles visual, auditory and kinesthetic. This will create a positive learning environment and allow all students to grasp the lesson.
