Color
This was an interesting topic for learning. Students do react to color schemes in the classroom environment.I have adpoted some ideas with this topic.
Kathleen,
I like this idea as it helps with the attention factor & is very inexpensive to integrate.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I teach English Composition/Grammar, which to many of my Medical Assisting students is quite tedious and challenging for them. They would rather be taking only medical classes. The use of colorful handouts makes learning interesting. I make use of the white board with different color markers, and I've created fancy powerpoint slides that engages their attention.
Bernadette,
that is very interesting & a great idea. Although there is something sickeningly satisfying about marking up a student's paper in red...just kidding:)
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I was once told by a student that she had seen an article about the use of a red pen when grading a test. She said that must felt more enraged whenever they saw their test all marked up in red, however if you took the same test and marked it up with a bright pink, yellow, green, blue, etc. the students did seem to be as upset with their grades yet it was still the same. So I started grading using neon colored pens and I really did fine that the mood did change. If I graded their test with the red it seemed like the students stayed depress about their grade longer. However when I used the bright colors they looked them over we would discuss a few then they put them away and they were ready to move on to the next assignment.
I use a different color packet for each lab procedure the students learns. That way its easier for them to find them when we need to go over them in class.
I discuss the reactions and feelings that people have to different colors and how colors can be used to enhance or alter these feelings.
DeShaun,
yes, this variety really does help mix things up & even highlight different points.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
students love multiple colors and pictures in lecture and lab. It promotes better retention and makes it easier for them to follow along.
I definitely like the concept of using color in handouts, assignments, & other printed material & I have had many ideas that would creatively benefit from using color; however, the "Elephant in the Room" regarding color is the fact that color copies are SO expensive!! Making copies is expensive in the first place, but if color is involved, the expense greatly increases.
Being a color blind instructor, I to keep my energy level high. I may try the use of color, but I'd need to rely on others..
Bob ,
yes, our energy level really does impact the energy level of the entire class.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Its to bad I am collared blind and collars don't mean much to me...instructors energy level does.
Thomas,
the colors can be a great way to shift focus & attention.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Colors makes alot of students open up to conversation getting them out of their comfort zone
Yes I've use colored paper before as well for important documents. Have also used different colored markers for different key points on the dry erase board.
Wendy,
it really can have a great impact & can emphasize & highlight key points.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I use bright pink, bright orange, lime green, and purple paper to place safety notes around the room and the outside of my class. The students are always looking and taking snap shots with there phones to look at them constantly at home. They provide feedback about the safety notes. They are surprised at how many of the safety notes are example Board Certification exam questions on there practice test. I want to do more postings in the future.
I cannot wait to incorporate this into my classroom. I had no idea that color could have such an impact on student learning.
Morris,
this is a good idea & it can help set off the more important or different ideas from others.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
