I will use the headings in the assigned textbook chapters for the day as peripheral wall posters and will refer to them as we discuss that particular topic.
The learning objective could be written and posted by the door as the students walk in so that they are aware of the expectations for the day's learning.
I mostly prefer using seating to help the learning environment by moving chairs around to get the students working in groups and get everyone involved. Also i like to use supplies like visual aids and examples to help get the students to understand why the are learning this coarse.
Robert ,
yes, when we use these different stimuli they can be very effective in reaching all of our learners.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I have already experimented with seating variations in the past and I use plenty of visuals. Color and music would probably be the next stimuli I would incorporate in the classroom.
Edwardo,
seating arrangement can really have a tremendous impact on the learning & discussions that go on in the classroom.
Dr. Ryan Meers
We use a whiteboard during our lecture period and the use of multicolored pens helps separate information and ideas for the student.
Since I'm teaching music, that's well covered. What's glaringly absent from my classroom is peripheral learning things. My plan is to bring in colorful things to put up around the room that help focus on the various things we're talking about in music. I'm also looking forward to putting a different hand-written quote on the door every day from a wide array of musicians. While we usually have a fair amount of fun while learning, I think these things will really enhance the learning moment for my dudettes and dudes.
By Eddy Mojena
I think arranging the seating would help my student get more focused with in the subject and perform well. This would have them interact more with in the subject matter.
Introduce color, visuals, music into math and science classes as an aid to relaxation and problem solving. Teach without music and then play music while students do classroom exercises and examples. Use colors and visuals as learning and memory aid for science content.
It is difficult for me to create muti-sensory environments, however with the help of this course I now have a lot of new ideas I want to try out.I am limited on some things,like changing seats around every day, but i now have a lot of ideas that I am going to put together.
Bret,
seating arrangement is definitely a way to encourage more interaction & to shake things up a little. I realize not all instructors have control over this, but for those who do it can be a real help.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I would place tables to form a square and this would encourage students to engage with each other more. I also use different colored marker to underline some points. I often put slogans on the board like: Make it a Winning Day. I could use some motivational posters. I show films which instruct and are fun.
Hello Dr. Meers,
Personally, I have changed the seating arrangements into small group circles. I "lecture" by walking around the classroom so there is not a focus point; although, I do use a PPT with a clicker.
The article had good ideas about the use of visuals and music to support the lectures. I'll have to try incorporating more of those ideas - particularly in my night classes!
Best wishes,
Rick
Using Power Points to help the students focus on important facts is crucial. Using music to calm students during group work is another great idea. As a History instructor I think it is a great idea to bring in copyright free music from the era being covered. The students usually respond well to that.
Carl,
these are all great strategies to really promote interaction & effective learning in the classroom.
Dr. Ryan Meers
to increse learning perception using soft clores faded backround music .
I like giving out handouts on colored paper to try and get their attention on an important subject. Seating is very important cause you don't want problematic students sitting together to disrupt the class. Music is a good way of calming down students nerves. You don't want to overdue it though cause you still want the students to know they're there to learn.
For smaller classes, I have always enjoyed the U-shaped seating arrangement. Additionally, motivational sayings, posters, pictures and quotes set a tone of aspiration and a commitment to excellence. It is more difficult for larger classes. Then I use more music and the overhead projector to support learning.
I am going to have to devote some time and thought to ways that I can implement some of these ideas. I came into a program with established curriculum, fixed seating, and classroom visuals already in place. I do use a lot of videos, most with music. I have also experimented with soft music during tests, which seems to aid concentration and ease nerves. Today's twenty year olds have been raised in an environment of flashy, quick paced media and have a very difficult time following a lecture. I try not to go more than 15 to 20 minutes without some type of break like a video, objects to be handled and examined, or a quick trip to the lab for a demo of some sort.
I use music often as students enter the class room, I find it inspires them for the class ahead. Colors are great too.. I teach audio production and I use colors (not only for board notes) in almost all of my sound system signal flow graphics, it REALLY helps the students understand what is being sent where.
