Dennis,
this is a great example of helping the students use the different modalities to understand the concepts & materials.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Using several engine components pass them around the room. Most students have never seen these before and often ask what it is. We discuss each component function and location on engine. After which I have each student select one component and explain the function and location.
richard,
yes, the repetition is key to solidifying the concepts in students' minds.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
i am just starting out as a instructor, but i can see how importaint retention through memory can play a big roll in how students will learn
Mahailey,
this is a great exercise to engage in from time to time as it helps us to ensure that our content is as fresh as it can be & helps us keep it up to date & strong.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Angelica,
this is an excellent idea to set the stage for the new content & module's learning.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Clay,
this is a great way to help the students engage with the material & hopefully retain these concepts.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Remonica,
I tell students all the time to use memory cards for studying purposes especially when it comes to medical terms. The more studnets see the cards the better chance they will comprehend the subject matter
In my classroom, I alreeady give students a syllabus the first day of class. I go through every detail with the studnets so they are aware of the learning outcomes. In addition, I encoruage the student to ask questions and clarify any concerns. I have had success with this mechanism and will continue to provide this knowledge to students. I believe the more students know the outcome the better they can prepare for any class
Agreed! I like to begin my courses by reviewing products that are already on the market. We compare and contrast, look at them inside and out to see how they are made, and I make reference to our learning objectives. This gives students a look at why we re learning certain techniques, inspiration and something to aspire to.
When I introduce a new graphic design project, I will show the students multiple examples of the project (both professional and student work). We discuss what works and doesn't work as well as expectations. By seeing successful examples, students visually recognize what works and doesn't work.
I will make sure to evaluate my lessons to emphasize primacy and recency for the most important information.
I like to use visuals when teaching the flow of blood through the heart and lungs. When weather permits we use different color sidewalk chalk and go outside and trace it on the black top of the parking lot. Also the surroundings of the outdoors may also help them retain this memory.
Increasing student retention, come from making the students love what they are learning. If you can't apply what they are learning then there will be nothing to tie the students to what is being taught. The things that can be done differently are changing the autonomy of the class by having different games which are hands on and are unexpected at the same time.
as an automotive instructor, I find tying past experiences with cars an effective tool for retaining new technical information.
great thing for that is, we all have cars in our experiences somewhere!
As a review for their exams they play a modified memory game using flash cards. It works great.
Shawn,
yes, it provides a variety in learning to the straight lecutre & often students will learn even more from these situations.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Useing items that they would find in their homes, or their cars, or even even the clothes they wear can be used to relate to retention.
Even a penny in their pocket can be discribed as a battery "kit", if they were to seperate the zinc from the copper with a piece of paper and add lemon juice.
I like to help students learn through examples. Like this module discussed, usually the more things they have to associate with a concept, the more likely they will be able to remember it. Sometimes this may involve stories or anecdotes from me, a recent article discussing the topic in the news, a video clip, or a learning activity or game. The more ways we can mention and relate to our content, the more likely it will be that the learners are able to remember and apply it.
In my corrections courses, not only do I write and lecture facility protocol, but students engage in mini-presentations reenacting skills used in the correctional field. I've learned that these hands-on approaches are greatly appreciated by students.
