MARIANNE,
All of these strategies help to reinforce the learning of the essential content. So the more methods used the higher the content retention there is going to be.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Effective comprehension of the material being delivered can be re-enforced with reviews, pop quizzes, open and closed ended questions along with hands on demonstrations.
I give them notes to write from the board, I read the notes from the board, and then i allow them to do the task with their hands.
Joseph,
Good master plan. You are providing instruction in the different learning preference areas as a result.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I make sure that I use as much information from in the field, including examples, to show the relevance of the course content.
I typically accommodate different learning preferences by utilizing multiple teaching techniques. With a spoken lecture, a visual demonstration, written descriptions and an engaging forum I attempt to reach all my students.
Teresa,
You are most welcome.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Jennifer,
You make a very good point about the value that comes from instructional blending of deliveries and strategies to keep students engaged. It is an ongoing challenge to identify what are the most effective ways of delivering content.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Thank you Gary! That reinforces my perception & also gives me tool for response and has sparked some other ideas for response.
The subject matter at hand has many elements. You must find each sensory method enveloped in each topic even if it just involves taking notes in different colors, using different font on your handouts, listening to other source material other than lecture such as you tube or other recorded reference material. Field trips related to the subject are a powerful tool as well.
Teresa,
One way to respond to this statement is to let them know you will be offering instruction in their learning preference way in coming class sessions and that you expect them to do well since the information will be offered in their preference area. What commonly happens is that students use learning styles or preferences as an excuse for not learning rather than true learning venues. Also, they need to learn to learn through other preference areas since in the work world they won't receive information solely through their preferred way.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Relevant material helps the student become more engaged and relate to the Course Content. When students' relate to content it becomes easier to understand, compare and contrast additional information.
I try to incorporate all learning styles into each class session. However, I more often than not have students who say "but I don't learn that way". I find it difficult to help them see that no classroom can cater to one style exclusively.
I plan my instruction so that multiple ways of tranferring information is acheived. Usually visual, auditory, and written all are included if possible. If time allows actual hands on is great! Students really enjoy getting to practice the techniques that we have discussed. It makes it real for them!
Rickey,
The more you can do this the better prepared your students will be. I push these types of experiences hard in my classes because they help my students start to see the value of the content I am sharing.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Kate,
I do as well for the reasons you cite. Students can really get into mind-mapping activities and this increases their participation level considerably.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
As a lab instructor preparing students for their clinical rotation I try and give them real world scenarios that they will encounter once they proceed to their clinical sites.
I like the mind-mapping model. It gives opportunity for the students to interact with the lecture and have it become a discussion, increasing class participation and retention (because they were participating and not just listening). Because it is not linear and is inter-active, it plays to AVK.
Nazanin,
Sounds like a fun way to start a class off. It for sure captures their attention. Thanks for sharing this strategy with us.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Nazanin,
That is the power of Power Point presentations. The help to focus, inform and sequence content for the students in an organized way.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
