Maximizing Retention Through Memory
To start a lesson I have students fill in the names of each of the components in a diagram. During this time I also tend to cover the functionality of the components. I quiz students on their ability to remember the component names by giving them a picture with a number next to each component along with a column filled with blank numbered spaces. Students need to write in the names of the component corresponding to each number in the diagram in the correct space of the column.
I will add another quiz on the students' ability to retain component functionality information by providing a list of functions to go along with the numbered diagram and a space to provide the number of the component that best matches the description.
How will you use the memory research to increase the students' learning retention in a class you are currently teaching? What will you do differently?
There are many ways to connect learning through memory...I like to use life examples and humor to foster memory. I believe that the students also benefit greatly by coaching and mentoring each other...To teach is to learn so if they can repeat and assist others they not only validate their learning but help to cement it to memory.
Because memory can be a direct link to learning, it's important to give them the most critical information at the beginning of the class to capitalize on primacy, then for recency, to recap at the end of the class. Taking breaks as a state change can also renew primacy. Incorporating emotional and visual learning aids can also improve memory.
i will be trying a teach the teacher drill. And have them walk me through the process of completing the days lesson. I truely beleave the best way to learn something is to teach it.
I think that backwards chaining will work in the classes I teach, I also think that using the students to teach in some situations is a very strong way to get them to remember things.
Students come from so many different backgrounds.
I think one method of maximizing retention is to actually do the task that they are learning, and not just once but as much as possible. I think that repitition helps retention. I will definately try to have the students hear it, see it, do it multiple times to become proficient and in theory, they should remember it.
More visual and hands on training technique.
One thing that I like to do is I like to put people in groups, but differnt groups each class. I also like to make sure I repeat the most important lessons from the day at the beginning as well as at the end of class. Many times I will have the students read over certain parts of the lesson and have them present it to the class as if they were the instructor. All of these ideas i currently use in the classroom. Something I would like to try is bringing more colour into the classroom, and some unexpected music.
I talk about a lot of memory tricks I use with student to retain material as we go. Association, and visualization are the most often discussed, but I also talk about the importance of being emotionally engaged in order to retain information. My lesson objectives are detailed for me, and there is little prep time so I do not use primacy to accentuate important material unless it is built into the lesson.
In order to increase the students' learning retention I will have to ensure that the information taught is repeated at least three times in different ways. I also have to ensure hands on activities, such as group activities or projects to help with retention.
I use the tell, show, do method with IT. I put the objectives up on PowerPoint first, then I give them a demonstration of the technolgoy we are learning, and finally I get them to do it themselves.
I strive to use as many of the senses as possible.
In my Intro to Economics class, I can have my students attempt to increase retention of key terms and definitions by choosing the ones they got wrong on a quiz. Then, have them create a short oral presentation on this term and definition and note key points during their presentation. Use the these key points for exam assessment purposes.
The other option for this method would be to ask the student to find a current event on the key term and critique it in a written report format. Then, take key points of the report and create exam questions to assess the students knowledge of the key term and definition.
I encourage association. I give some of my own and
ask students to theirs. This is a case of students and me learning from students and a chance for students to speak up.
I've tried information chunking, and it works at times. So, I plan to add a little variety in my lectures. I plan to incorporate more visuals and use primacy. I also learned that repitition is a good way to increase retention. Equipped with the correct set of techniques, I can make my classroom an accelerated learning environment.
Asking the students questions during lab, before the final product. I think it helps them understand the objective.
I insist student interaction while I am discussing a topic. I call upon students randomly for there input because I fill that if they are interacting and giving their opinion then they are actively being involved. Plus by calling on them randomly they have no choice but to listen and pay attention because they never know when they will be called upon.
Most of my teaching results in the completion of a project. It starts with either note taking or a Power Point presentation to equip the learner with the information they will need to be successful in completing the task. Next I demonstrate the procedures needed to complete the task, and finally the learner does the project. To maximize retention the learner is encouraged to repeat the project as many times as possible. In the future I am going to spend more time showing the end result of the project before note taking.
Great! I didn't know either how important role it can play.
