I like to use multible visual aids either actual componets or pictures of such items. It creates a better understanding through illustration
I enjoy learning more about my students so as I begin each chapter I ask if they have had any issues regarding the body system we are learning about. I will share my own issues as well as opening a discussion about how this body system may be affected by massage therapy. Hopefully this will show relevance of material as well as engaging them in what the lecture will include.
Kathryn,
great point as you are exactly right that the stories provide ways that they can remember the content better.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
by using personal testimony or theirs, they remember the context of the story, and then the concept, thus using episodic memory. I also use mnemonic devices in as many lectures as possible.
Mitra,
I don't think there's necessarily a better, both are very effective & appropriate depending on the situation. In some cases your students may not have had the experiences, so use your own.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
It depends on the circumstances, I believe is a combination of both...
which is better? Using our past experiences or the experiences of the students?
In teaching economic theory, I like to pull examples from the real world that are applicable to my students' age group and interests - for example, if they are fresh out of high school, talking about mortgages and bushels of corn/wheat may not have the same kind of impact as discussing things that are popular in today's culture.
I constantly use my past 20 years of experience as an example for my students. It keeps them engaged and makes it exciting for them!
I agree...I have experience in several fields and I have actually taught a few different courses at the school. I found it interesting the other day when I began to use an example of one of my life experiences to relate to the topic at hand and one of my repeat students spoke up and said is this the Italian restaurant? I was not repeating the same story, but it was about the same company...he remembered it from 6 months earlier. It makes an impact.
When lecturing about Medical emergencies in the dental office, I found it very effective to describe an actual event that happened a few years ago. The students were drawn in by the graphic details, and were much more engaged when I related it to accident prevention.
In the career ciollege environment we are not only lecturing on topics we are teaching skills in a lab setting. These are skills that the students will use in their careers. If I can relate a lecture topic to something I did in the work force I feel it drives the idea home, letting them know this is something they will do on the job.
It reminds your students that you have experience in the field you are teaching.
Using real life examples makes the course work seem more real to the student, they seem to be more interested in the lecture and are able to retain more of the lecture if I present it using memorable examples.
I also find that bringing memorable work experiences to the classroom really help the students get a better understanding about the topic that we are discussing and it helps to associate the topic with real life situations.
Mr. Meers,
Using memorable examples is valuable in helping students remember course content in many ways. An example of a disastrous event related to a certain topic, for example, will definitely stand out in students' minds and remind them why it is import to do things a certain way. On the other hand, a humerous story will also stand out in their mind and will be memorable to them. Real life examples stand out and will be more memorable than black and white letters in a text book.
Stacey
Memorable example make the information stick with the students and also allows them to understan the material better.
I teach technology. I explain that Internet explorer is a brand name of a type of program called a web browser. I than elaborate with Pepsi is a brand name of a type of Cola and there are many different brands of cola, like coca cola, RC cola, Sam's Choice, etc. There are also many different brand names of web browsers, like Safari, Firefox, Chrome, ETc
I teach at a culinary school. I like to give examples of when, in my real-world experience, I messed up a recipe and what the fall-out was. It not only shows that I can sympathize with where they are professionally but also hopefully solidify the importance of understanding the technique by remembering my gaffes.
I agree. Not only does it show we make mistakes too. It also shows we are human, and not better than the students, we are the same as our students, because we were also students at one time. Which help them to relate to us better.
I am a Medical Examiner for the State. The variety of cases that I come in contact with daily offers real life examples for my medical students, which keeps them interested and focused on the topics being discussed.
