I am an instructor in ultrasound laboratory, teaching scanning skills. At the beginning of the lesson I explain the topic. Lab assignment is on the board.I do my demonstration,try to involve all of them by asking questions. After that scanning session starts. I work with each of them individually.
Hi Drew, Thanks for your post to the forum. Varying your delivery is indeed the best way to go. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Susan Polick
When I give lecture a large part of that instruction is hands on. This way the students who learn by hands on recieve the material in a way that is more geared towards thier learning style.
Hi Clifton, It probably keeps them alert as they know that they may be called upon to demo! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Susan Polick
One of the classes I teach is Air Brakes. When ever I am doing lecture, I always try to have students go to our demonstration board and preform the test proceedure I may be going over. This really seems to get their attention, and they like watching each other get up in front of the class.
When I taught algebra, I would relate the math topic to something in the real world. For example, exponents are used to calculate compound interest or quadratic equations to solve everyone's favorite: projectile problems. After showing how to set up an equation to solve a specific example, I'd give the class a similar problem, but a bit more complex. Some would get it right away -- others needed some hints to get them to solution.
Hi Jennelle, That's a great idea! They are up and out of their seats and thinking actively on their feet. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Susan Polick
Hi Gayle, Thanks for sharing a great example of a class that appeals to the kinesthetic laerning style. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Susan Polick
In my medical law & ethics class, I have students take on the role of attorneys in a case. They decide what questions to ask and what witnesses should be used.
This works very well in our class. I lecture on the anatomy of a specific body part, and then talk about how to do a particular position. Next is a demonstration where I ask for student participation. Lastly there is an assessment where the student in turn shows me they have mastered this skill!
Hi Vance, You have descibed the kinesthetic learner perfectly! Since I teach mostly general education courses like "Critical Thinking", I am always challenged to find good activities for those learners. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Susan Polick
Hi Susan...Kinesthetic learners typically learn best by doing. They are naturally good at physical activities like sports and dance. They enjoy learning through hands-on methods. They typically like how-to guides and action-adventure stories. They might pace while on the phone or take breaks from studying to get up and move around. Some kinesthetic learners seem fidgety, having a hard time sitting still in class. It is therefore important for us as instrutors to be able to recognize them and meet their needs...Vance Shaw
I ask this type of learner to carry out a specific task by doing hands on.
Hi Jennifer, Thanks for your post to the forum. Adding the hands on lab to lecture is ideal for Kinsethetic learners! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Susan Polick
I definitely like the use of high fidelity simulation which utilizes hands on applications of nursing care. The students learn hands on patient care before going into the clinical setting. All students seem to find this helpful, however I would imaging the kinesthetic learner gains more fromt the sessions. I think all hands on nursing skills labs are also good approaches for kinesthetic learners. I have found if they are not able to grasp the material in the classroom setting through lecture, they will grasp the material in the skills lab with hands on. I would love to hear suggestions from others.
Hi Letrice, Thanks for your post to the forum. That actual hands on practice is excellent! Susan
Susan Polick
I always like to begin with showing a student how a process is done, afterwhich, I usually let the students perform a simulation of what we just learned. For example, in the Medical Office Administration program, we would go over customer service so I would bring an actual phone to class and we would go over phone etiquette. Students really seem to enjoy this.
Hi Darryl,
I really like your approach to teaching students to to communicate with customers and diagnose problems.
When I was in grad school for Library Science, I had an instructor who had us all role play helping a library patron with research. That lesson on learning and asking the right questions to get to the root of a problem has always stuck with me.
I'm sure your students remember your role playing sessions when they work with their customers!
Nothing can substitute for "hands-on" learning. One must actually do something himself or herself to fully comprehend it.
Hi Cheryl, Thanks for sharing a very insightful post about teaching kinesthetic learners! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Susan Polick
