I have used repitition in introducing a new technique. The technique is reviewed and demonstrated to the student. Prior to aplication the student is asked to verbalize and repeat the demonstration. This gives the student an opportunity to verbalize ease or dis-ease in performing the technique and help with making the necessary corrections.
I try to encourage students to use different approaches to writing, such as practice which environment works best (background music, for example); experiment with different pre-writing strategies, etc.
I encourage group activities as well, and I think students benefit when they are able to present their essays to the class using PowerPoints, posters, or other visuals.
LOL, I had to laugh. So true!
Nicole,
it is so true that nothing can replace good old fashioned repetition.
Dr. Ryan Meers
James,
this is a great way to reconnect them with the material & prepare them for learning.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Bridget,
I really like the idea of flash cards. Something that we all hated in our younger years, really pays off now.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Repetition, is an important way to help students retain information. Ask the question to the class more than just one time.Rephrasing the question in different contexts is helpful as well.
When the students come back from break i'll use the renewed primacy window to introduce key points.
I let them use visual aids, like falsh cards for the topic we are learning right now which is med term. The flash cards help the memorization of the word. For other topics, i like to use mnenonics. I feel they work really well.
I am currently teaching a Tailoring class in fashion design program. I notice there are some small but important details they tend to forget how to do. Its more on the application process, like doing the right technique you need to do in sewing. But these are basic things they learned from the 101 classes. I make it a point to review these important techniques in the beginning before continuing on with their projects.
I will continue to complete a review at the beginning and end of the class, along with trying to implement new tools and activities that stimulate more than just a singular learning style/sense.
Jennifer ,
this is a great technique to assist with skill development & also memory retention.
Dr. Ryan Meers
When introducing new dental materials, cements for instance, I place all of the different containers out, pass them around for each student to touch and read the label. Then we open each container and smell them. Last we mix them to feel the difference in consistancies. During each step for each cement I use descriptive words that are similar to the touch and smell and consistancy of that particular cement. Later in the classroom if I ask questions about that cement and they don't remember, I can mention the descriptive words from before to trigger their memory.
I have taught random selection before incorporating Scientific Methods. I bring in colored regular M & M's and the students use them to show how a random selection would work in research. Everyone is familar with the product so it makes it kind of fun and easy to understand the concept. The colors help to distinguish the different selections.
After teaching the student a skill set, I request that they perform the skill. As they are demonstrating the skill, I am able to see if they understand. If not, I will help them as they struggle, then ask them to perform it again. I will try to incorporate some new memory retention processes to see if this helps them retain the information better.
elizabeth,
this is a great way to help solidify the learning from the day before & also to prepare the learners for the new information.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I love this idea based on region. Mkaes the ingredients they use less random and also classes them in flavor families.
Definitely engage them with the most pressing and beneficial information at the beginning. Also the scheme of introducking more topics than intially teaching to keep anticipation I think is a good tool as well. It is very beneficical to have a general understanding of the memory process and key moments of high retention.
I try and use multiple modes of memory building. We always start the class by reviewing the last lesson,I do this by asking questions about techniques that were covered and how they are going to apply them today during their production. Once they have all reviewed, they will produce the items that I went over the previous day, at the end of class we all get together and look over everyone's work and talk about how things went, what were the challeges and successes people had and ask if anyone has other questions. Lastly, I debrief them on the next days lesson so that they can read about it in their textbook and come in with a basic idea of what they are going to learn.
Robert,
this is a great strategy & great reminder.
Dr. Ryan Meers
