I've asked the student what is her/his ultimate goal and provided information from the course directly related to their goal.
I have noticed that everybody likes a real world examples. More examples the better.
Cliff,
Good approach. You are going to be able to keep your students engaged. I would use role playing in a course like Social Media to act out the life of a Twitter (I know sounds silly but it can be fun.) or something along that line. I use a lot of activity and movement in my courses even though they are more content based. The students like this approach and stay focused throughout.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I think the multi-media approach would be helpful. A mix of short video presentations, handouts, lectures and group discussion would aid the learning types. I'll be teaching a Social Media class so the tactile approach might be the only challenge.
I haven't taught on a college (returning adult) environment yet, but in the 18 - 25 age bracket, I have found that using multi-media as a method of dispensing the course material,a great aid for student retention. Video, case studies, and handouts are good tools.
In implementing relevant course content the students wiil be required to demonstrate mastery of certain functions and skills required in the teachnical area.
Kelli,
This is a good strategy to follow. This way you are reaching out with different learning deliveries and appealing to the different learning preferences that are represented. This increases student engagement and helps to engage them in the learning process.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
At the start of a new course, I administer a learning style test to each of the students. This 50 short-question test reveals their specific learning style and helps me with my lesson planning. Because these students are all in the same program, they tend to have very similar learning styles. I usually work with 3-4 different styles per cohort.
What I like best about my area of education is that we are teaching them application of techniques for their new trade. As a student, in my class you will most likely see the following: lecture/demo, Q & A student lab application of the demo/lecture, review at the end of each lab, Q & A on what was done in lab. In this part the students have the opportunity to share with each other what they have learned.
There is also assigned reading, written test, practical testing, research and presentations. All these areas help the student find their best way to learn, but also see where they lack abilities to retain information. We are now able to focus on these weaknesses to better their educational growth.
Michael,
I like this approach because it helps the students see a concept in a concrete way. This makes it easier when you are moving from concrete to abstract content.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I use concepts wheels to demonstrate the concept. A student writes the word they use, synonyms/antonyms and draw pictures assess the knowledge.
I generally try to meet everyone's learning needs by both appealing to each student’s predominant learning style, making sure the content is engaging, and also cite examples of how the content will help prepare them in industry. I try to cite examples from industry and work experience where things went right and things went wrong. Hopefully they can use this to better tie the lecture into what will be expected of them upon entering their field. This combination helps to keep them engaged.
I try to get each student involved in class participation by making them comfortable with answers even when they are wrong. I might say "your getting close but not quite there yet.
Make sure that course material and content is up to date and give current examples of real life and hands on situations.
Jacqueline,
I think you have a very good plan for delivering your content and engaging your students. The more variety and activities you can incorporate the greater engagement is going to be.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I incorporate power points into my lectures so students can follow along with the lecture & keep notes along with it. I also give question & answer times during lecture after which I apply what has been learned with hands on demonstrations & class participation in the demonstrations of the material they have read, had lecture on & demonstrated. The only time I find this hard in the field of massage therapy (which is the technical field I teach in) is during the theory portion & the concrete concepts that are dry & can only be lectured on.
I do plan on adding case studies & more video for those times when the concepts & theory drag us into dry content regions that have no real hands on applications.
Experience that you learned on the field
I rotate presentation methods over the week. Powerpoints, videos, demonstrations, student activities, readings, quizzes, discussions and lectures all play a part in my classes.
Tom,
I really like your balanced and varied approach to introducing and teaching your content. It sounds like you keep it interesting and moving throughout the class sessions and this is critical for student engagement. Keep up the good work.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Treva,
Good for you. The more relevancy and application you can make of your content the more value your students will see in the course.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
