BEST WAY TO LEARN
Hands down, in my experience the best way to teach students something is to let them physically try it on their own...Hands on training has worked the best for me.
Raymond,
this is a great point to make. There are many times where the best mix is: explain, practice, evaluate, explain & practice again if necessary.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Hands on is a great way to reinforce the learned materials, however using it as the only meathod is sometimes impossible. You still need to explain the process during your leacture time but of course a hands on activity will help in remembering to information better.
Bill,
I would agree that I don't think you can overemphasize or discuss the application of the concepts to the "real world."
Dr. Ryan Meers
The connection between what we learn and do in the classroom with what's likely to be the students' jobs when they're out in the world - can it be overdone? I don't think so. The very best preparation I can give my dudettes and dudes is as strong and accurate taste of what awaits them in the real world, but in the safety of their classroom. Make your mistakes here and now is their mantra.
Connie,
this is great & definitely those real life experiences help connect the class to real life.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I tend to have my students focus on their real world experience, think of simular situations they have experienced themselves or in dealing with others. I find that if they can relate it to something they are more engaged in class and they retain what's being presented in class. I also agree that hands on and group activities are a great way to to teach. I try to always ask my new students about their learning styles which help me tremendously because I teach adults from age 18 to 60 from all walks of life all trying to better themselves by obtaining a career verses just getting a job. Breaking the ice on the firt day and making the students feel comfortable with each other goes a along way with retention also. Reminding my new students that everyone in class all started with the same reservations and that everyone in class is in that particular class for the first time and we are all learning it together. This works for me.
Rasiel,
yes any time we can use the hands on it is of benefit.
Dr. Ryan Meers
in my experience there are several ways that encourage learning one of them is the practice, whenever we do practical things learning becomes enjoyable and fast, we also have to combine things like motivation, teacher preparation, environment, ability to motivate the subject, supplies, and the desire to teach.
Susan,
this is a great demonstration of involving your students yet ensuring that you are covering what needs to be covered.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Yes they can try it in that manner but they also need to experiment with other ways to learn.
I do too, especially a subject that I dont feel too confortble with lecturing on. What I have also done is assign a portion of th electure to the class and each student must read, develop and present thier portion to the class. IN this way the material is still covered but just not by me. After everyone finishes I recap... what was discussed.
I agree but remember there are (4) different ways we learn Audio, Visual, Kinesthetic and I forget the other one.
I do agree that most people once they do something they really understand but in many cases if the information is given in a clear, concise and logical manner must audable learners can get it!
In the nursing field, I feel that we use a combination of visual/auditory and hands on teaching. In a career college, we spend a lot of time on hands on activities, after a brief explanation of the theory behind it.
I agree as well. Hands on is best.
Linda,
Games & activities can be very powerful, just don't forget to design a great debrief!
Dr. Ryan Meers
I agree, adding games to the class will give the students some excitement
I agree, adding games to the class will give the students some excitement
I like the idea of using games and other activities to enhance learning. I get tired of lecture all the time myself.
mendy ,
It really is amazing to see the difference in engagement between a lecture & an activity or project.
Dr. Ryan Meers
