Nicole,
yes, understanding the various styles is important. And by knowing how we prefer to learn we can be more aware of when we're teaching to ourselves rather than the class as a whole.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Depending on the subject, I may ask about their current knowledge concerning the topic, tell a story/case about the topic, or show a visual aid before beginning. The response can vary depending on the students' history. At times Playdough is also helpful. They laugh at me when I direct them like a choir when encouraging pronunciation of new terms.
I will incorporate the information learned in the class by paying more attention to student learning styles as well as my own styles. I'd like to incorporate the music, but I'm not sure if I will find the right music. I love music and this is the most intriguing aspect for me to implement. I will definitely do more research on the subject.
LaToya,
yes, when we can connect the memory recall to the solidifying of concepts & ideas, it's golden.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Providing student with many memory techniques and making it fun can help students retain the content better. In my class I give my students many memory techniques but also remind them that it is not the same as learning and requires studying at the same time. This seem to get the students attention when showing them something they know they can use to benefit there learning.
Backwards chaining ... on many occassions I sense the students are thinking of why is this important, or I'm not interested because I don't understand why I need to understand this ... maybe better to start of a topic with, "begin with the end in mind".
benny,
this is a great strategy as it incorporates the idea of review, review, review.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
After i show my kids different products i always go back and recap the products. at the end of the day i recap it one more time. The next day i show them the product and call on different people to answer.
I will try to introduce new ideas using chuncking so that students are better able to remember them.
Joe,
yes, those unexpected acts or stories are a great way to keep the students engaged & to help them remember.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
by doing something out of the ordanary,saying something about a certain point I would like them to remenber, haveing them take notes on certain point, tell them a related story.
I love the idea of backwards chunking! It explains why I have struggled in the past learning completely new subjects like Latin and geometry in high school (50 years ago!) At the time I thought that I had a learning disability because everyone in the class seemed to get it, and I did not. I have realized that I need the big picture to "get it". I teach foundation classes, English and math. I tell students my story and how I have overcome past learning problems. I am excited to use this new (to me) idea of backwards chunking. I have ideas about cover letters and resumes for English. Do you have some suggestions as to where I could start with the math?
I love the idea of backwards chunking! It explains why I have struggled in the past learning completely new subjects like Latin and geometry in high school (50 years ago!) At the time I thought that I had a learning disability because everyone in the class seemed to get it, and I did not. I have realized that I need the big picture to "get it". I teach foundation classes, English and math. I tell students my story and how I have overcome past learning problems. I am excited to use this new (to me) idea of backwards chunking. I have ideas about cover letters and resumes for English. Do you have some suggestions as to where I could start with the math?
Laura,
this is a great way to help them see the "big ideas" of the course/program as well as to see the little details.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I will go over the previous day's lesson at the beginning of class as well as have the current lesson outlined on the whiteboard. I will draw attention to the techniques that will be demonstrated and draw a connection between the new techniques and ones previously mastered. By showing the 'connectedness' of the material, it will seem logical and less threatening and it will also strengthen retention.
I like the idea of getting the heavy stuff out first – capitalizing on the primacy and then linking it to emotions with is very easy to do with food!
William,
yes, the question & discussion method is a great way to solidify the learning in the students' minds.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
William,
yes, the question & discussion method is a great way to solidify the learning in the students' minds.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
More questions and discusion on the subject and add student personal experience to the equation.
I agree that a variety of learning techniques is needed to fit the variety of learners. We(as instructors) must vary our presentations to assist the greatest number of students to learn. With no variety success in the classroom will be less than satisfactory for both you and the students.
Earnest J. Kendall,MSN, RN-BC
