Dan,
this is true & I would say when we can combine the hands on with a good debrief/discussion we have an even greater combination.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Hands on is the best way for most students to learn
Hands on learning is very helpful. There are students that learns much better with hands on process.
Hi Mohammed,
I teach massage therapy, and as you can imagine, most of the students are very "hands-on" (no pun intended). Due to the nature of the field itself, and the type of learners that are drawn to it; it is imperative that instructors reach students at various different learning styles. I try to bring variety into my classes, by creating PowerPoints with mostly black and white, and just a little color in pictures that relate to the topic. The students report that these pictures help to tie the information together. I also like to use a variety of colored markers on the white board when teaching. I had never thought about the impact of colors on emotiions before reading this module, and now that I know, I will pay more attention to the colors I use and the outcome that they play on the learning environment. I also like to give the students a chance to color now and again. They seem to enjoy using colored pencils when studying certain concepts, and I believe that it helps them retain the information being taught.
My son went to a montesory elementary school for a couple years. The learning environment for this type of school is all hands-on. The students sit at round tables so they can face each other, and interact during various classroom assignments and educational games. Also, the students are encouraged to use the various learning tools scattered throughout the classroom. I was so impressed to learn that first graders were learning division already, and that this type of math came very easy because they played a game while learning it. I wish that public schools had access to this type of learning, and I wish that my son could have continued going there. If not for the expense, he would have continued his elementary education at that school.
connie,
yes, the hands on experience is a great way to solidify the theoretical concepts.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Students will learn the importance of what is verbally taught by performing hands on, it will also help ignite the learning process of different learnign styles
I teach Pharmacy technician courses and find that the students learn and retain more information when given the opportunity to experience hands-on education. During our "theory" course, the students are more apt to be confused or wonder why they need to know the information we are expecting them to retain. During the "hands-on" courses, the students can apply and use their knowledge and feel as if they have accomplished a goal. This works very well with older students who need affirmation about returning to school and younger students who seem to need to see instant results from their work.
Hands-on allows the student to intract with the lesson and the skills. Most students look forward to the hands-ons and using their new found skills to display during class.
Mohammed,
I agree that if the career or field calls for these tools, they must be incorporated as soon as possible.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
