Using a teach the teacher approach.
In the medical billing and coding cirriculum there is some material that gets touched on in every single course. It is imperative that they are an expert in these subject areas in order to successfully complete the course as well as pass their national certification. There is one chapter towards the end of the course that is basically a review of policies and laws that pertain to our field. The information in the chapter is information that the students will have studied on numerous occasions. One thing I like to do on the day of this lesson is place them in small groups. Have them read the chapter in it's entirety to make sure they aren't leaving anything out. Then I divide them into small working groups and give them a specific section of the book. I then have them designate a time keeper, researchers, an information recorder, a group speaker, and a group leader in their small groups. By allowing them to select thier jobs it allows them to play on their strengths and assures that everyone in the group participates. I then have them go thru the assigned section of material and have them come up with a visual presentation describing at least 5 things they learned, or that they werent familiar with before the project. It has worked the several times I have done it and the students like the interaction within the groups and the opportunity to present their knowledge.
Hi Lori!
The posts for this topic were particularly good. It is definitely a great feeling when an individual has been a facilitator of learning. You not only teach but you learn in the process. That what I really like about instructing - I am learning as well.
Good job!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
I really like this idea, after reading this topic it gave me ideas on what I could do for a group discussions.
I really like the idea of assigning specific roles for the group members to take. I often find, but as an instructor and previously as a student, that not all group members participate equally. By having each member have a role it should increase the amount of shared work and responsibility for the group as a whole. I appreciate the suggestion.
As an computer applications teacher for many years, I have come to expect that the younger people have a great deal of knowledge that they can pass on to me. I always show my gratitude and excitement at learning something new that the student(s) has shown me.
I love having students teach me. I also have students come up with potential test questions for review. I can also use some of their questions on the test as well.
Your comment is so true. I've been teaching for 35 years, and I'm still learning. As you said, it impresses the student when you say that you've just learned something he or she presented!
I teach an anatomy class to my cosmetology students and I use the teach the teacher approach to ensure that they understsnding the material. I assign each group of 3 or 4 students one system of the body and it is their responsibility to cover it with the class. This is our method of studying for that part of the class because you have to learn it to teach it!
I believe that teaching is the best way to learn. I like your format. It provides structure and a format that isn't burdonsome like some class presentation projects can become.
I use a similar method in teaching Medical Law and Ethics. Usually the section on Death and Dying is dull so I divide the class into cooperative learning groups and let them choose a famous case in medical ethics from a list that I provide that will illustrate the points that their group has been assigned. Each group creates a powerpoint and shares it with the class. It is one of the most enjoyed classes even though the subject matter can be sad and dull.
I believe students do learn best when they can teach a concept to another student.
I have found that even though I am the teacher I am always learning. My students appreciate my truth when I tell them that they brought something up that I didnt know much about. I always look up more information before the next class period so that we can discuss the topic more.
I believe any time you teach anything to somebody else you gain a better depth of knowledge on the subject.
