Sonia,
This is so important to set the tone for the class that meeting. An "attention grabber" helps to see the content that is going to offered in the upcoming session.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Implementing students learning styles and "get attention of student" by starting your lecture with an interesting subject tied into the lesson plan.
Katherine,
Thank you for sharing your success with mini-lectures with us. With the rotation you have with them and other activities your students get to learn, apply, learn and apply. This is a proven model for success.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Since the adult attention span is only 15-18 minutes, mini lectures have worked well. I give a mini lecture and then we directly apply the new knowledge by applying the technical skill. This keeps the students's interest because they are eager to try out their new knowledge right away.
I totally agree with you Carla. As instructors we try to set the example of being on time and ready for class and often relate to the students that being on time is a reflection of them not only at school but in their future jobs.
I use any or all material from my experiances of videos, you tube that is relevant in my course. Sometimes some material is outdated and students appredciate up to date material.
Damon,
This is a very effective teaching strategy because it shows relevance and application to the students. This approach makes the content come alive for the students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Kevin,
This is a good teaching tool because the students get exposed to the material twice. Once as students and then as teachers as they prepare to share information with the rest of the class.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I specifically adapt content to real world scenarios and industry needs as much as possible. Showing the students the everyday value of learning any given topic. People are inherently pragmatic when it comes to the information they absorb- if it is not relevant to everyday usage or they have no stake in the content they won't retain it.
Have the students present the information to the rest of the class.
It has taken some time and difficulty for me but I have gotten to learn my students preferences. having gone through many lesson plans as a new teacher. But now after taking this course I feel that I'm on the right track now.
I agree. Part of being a good instructor is reading those facial expressions. Especially with students who are shy or reserved or afraid to be judged. They will not say that they don't get it. Then you have to re-phrase and try a new method of getting your point across
Julie,
Flexibility is essential in teaching as we know. No matter how well we plan things happen and we have to go to our back up plan so we need to be able to adapt and adjust as needed to keep the students on task.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Not being so rigid you can't change how you present course information, it doesn't have to be presented the same way all the time. Your student demographics change and so should the presentation of course information, you don't change the information just the way it is presented to allow for all students to learn in their best way and possibly others in a new way.
SHIVA,
This is a great way to help them learn using vision, sound and application to learn medical terminology. The more senses that can be used the higher the content retention rate is going to be and you are doing that with this approach.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
When I teach Medical Terminology, I usually put a picture up of the disease condition ask the student to think about what the conditon may be then, I show them the word. I then de-construct the word and tell ask them what it sounds like to them, and use that as a memory trick. Sometimes an anecdote may help.
Daniel,
This is such a service to your students. You are making sure you as a professional educator are providing the most current and accurate content. This is what being an educator should be about.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Using youtube examples and other media examples.
As an instructor I keep abreast of the current trends and climates in the field that I teach. By staying up-to-date I am able to suggest changes and expand topics within my curriculum.
Cristiane,
You make a very good point about the need to adjust, adapt or sometimes even change the direction you are taking the class based upon the "read" you are getting from your students. By having a number of strategies available and ready to use you can make the needed redirection and keep the class moving forward and the students engaged.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
