Depending on class size which may vary from 8 to 30, I tailor my time as needed. With a large class
I will adjust my style to focus on a individual students needs. I involving them in the lecture with questions or by repeating parts of a lecture that puzzle them. In the lab I will also use highly motivated students to tutor others. I use this method only with a student that is accepted by the class as being skilled and not arrogant. Games are
a great review method. They are fun but help the student retain information. I use as many field trips as possible that relate to the subject being taught.
By applying a variety of techniques such as lecture, power points, videos, group projects.
This is a must and will be looked at closely by students.
I like to make things fun...like medical Jeopardy.
The students are very competetive!
By watching other instructors I have developed a technique where, when I'm lecturing, I combine a hands on and a power point presentation along with lecture. I try to involve all students in the learning process.Visual,auditory,and tactile.
To better meet the needs of my students I offer multiple ways to demonstrate the knowledge they have gained.
For example: completion of an assignment can be done as a paper, a presentation, a demonstration, or other creative idea a students provides.
I try to appeal to different learning preferences by varying my approach and/or style within the classroom. I use mini-lectures where I do all of the talking and transition to segments requiring participation from the class. I also supplement lectures with visual aids to highlight and reinforce main points/themes. It’s not always possible to build in group activities, but I do this when possible as well.
I try to get to know my students learning styles from day 1 or 2 so I can incoperate effective instruction to the students.
Peggy,
I think this is a very good practice to follow. You are helping your students to learn more about how they learn, even though they are adults, many of them don't know this. This is a win win for everyone.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Although I know that there are different learning styles, there is also a difference in learning habits that is not always right for a student. I like to have the students take a online learning style assessment. Often the student is surprised by what they learn and it also gives suggestions for that student on how improve their study habits.
exciting visual aids, real life demonstrations along with scientific anylysis.
Allison,
Thank you for sharing this success story with us. I have done a lot of research on multiple intelligences and learning styles and I am surprised like you that you would have a class with 50% auditory. This traditionally a low area for career college students. Great job of adapting your instruction to meet the current group of students, this is what good teaching is all about.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I incorporate current events and articles that relate to the content being covered.
Going over class material usual is the first step in implementing the relevancy of what we are instructing on. The second part is demonstrating or giving examples of how it applies to their field of study. This not only helps them understand, it also gets them excited to get into the field.
I agree when you have so many students it is hard to keep track of who is actually retaining. I feel when you draw and write or pass out objects it helps improve lecture. When it is time for questions and answers I use a ball to keep students involved it keeps them active and wanting to answer questions.
I have used different strategies to make my course content relevant and applicable.
I have executed the use of graphics, pictures, and audio visuals to my PowerPoint presentations. The implementation of these strategies have motivated my students and have created a better learning enviroment.
I also use training equipment to motivate my students and make my courses interesting and fun, for example; presently I use the following equipment to provide a learning enviroment:
1. Hands-on CPR maniquins
2. Hands-on 0xygen apparatuses
3. Hands-on Life support systems.
My strategic methods are effective in meeting my student's learning needs.
To ensure students do not lose interest, I lay out course objectives for the day. The course objects for each class involve group and team exercises, media presentations, lecture, and hands on practice. This ensures each learning style is targeted.
I like to be multi-instructional. I enjoy lecturing with a group and then have them pulled in with demonstration and class participation for them to teach others. I have learned that most often those who can learn by just reading the information are able to adapt to the group and tactile instruction easier than those who need to learn hands on. small groups allow a more interesting dynamic in learning.
Use the overhead projector to present information in a variety of ways to accommodate different learning styles and intelligences. The light of the projector actually helps students maintain focus. The written presentation on a transparency aids visual learners. The verbal explanation of the teacher aids auditory learners, and transferring the information to paper will benefit tactile learners.
I always open my class with a poll or exercise to determine the majority learning style. In my current class of 40 students, it was my first to have 50% tactile and 50% auditory (yes, auditory and NO visual learners). For a class of mainly women, I felt this highly unusual and had to recreate the course delivery (Anat and Physio) to demonstration and hands-on training, including some online exercises with a simulation center where auditory learners to hear pronunciation of words. It turned out great!
