I normally go over the material, then I give them an ungraded quiz to see what they actually retained from the lesson, and when I go over the answers I have them take a sheet of paper draw a line down the middle and on one side write at the top "What I know" on the other half "What I need to know" and as we go over the answers they write in each column.
One way to learn what the leanrning needs of the students is by questions and awnsers by individuals called upon. If I were to ask the question to the class in its entirety, then there may be one person that can awnser it. But the class as a whole may not know the awnser. If I call upon certain individuals in the class, that would help me to understand.
Lisa,
those little pictures & similar devices are a great way to help solidify the concepts in our memories.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I really like this idea and feel it will be a great benefit for learning medical terminology. I also like the idea of drawing a picture or symbol with the new word as was recommended in the lesson. I once studied in another country and language and can relate first hand to the difficulty of learning something new in a language that is not your primary language. Once they can internalize the new word and no longer translate it in their head, they have mastered it.
Tom,
this is a great, simply & free way to really take steps to help our students.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I just use a simple pretest to ask about experiences regarding computer technology (Introduction to Computers class). Questions cover how they use a computer, if they do, and what they do with it.
Michelle,
this is a great way to assist in the learning & being aware of some of the areas of struggle.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I try to be available during class when working on a project. Always monitoring their progress with the task at hand. I add suggestion of you might want to think about .... to accomplish the project.
QUINTIN,
yes, that ongoing monitoring & availability of help is key.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Josef,
this is a great testimony to how a little patience & asking of questions can lead to better outcomes for all.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Josef,
this is a great strategy as it provides many opportunities for the students to hear, read, see the information.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Giving a pretest, and then monitoring their progress in class as you go along. Engaging them during class discussions also helps, as you can see if they are grasping terms and the meaning of the terms they are learning...
While instructing a student on Lab project in troubleshooting an electrical circuit, I noticed the student reversing the color coded test leads on the meter. The student was getting frustrated, and so was I. I explain to him that maintaining the proper polarity of the test leads was an important step of the process. He then stated that he was color blind and could not distinguish the color difference. Now we identified the learning disability, this relived our level of frustration and allowed us to explore some alternatives to distinguish the polarity differences. He also became a better student in some other classes I’ve taught.
I also use a study guide, for our test review I give the students’ time to individually complete the review. We then do a round table oral review, with each student reading a question and providing the answer. We then have a discussion on any material to clear any confusion.
Suzanne,
I think one of the best ways we can help struggling learners is through that careful monitoring on a regular basis so we can head off potential problems.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I try to approach a student who is struggling early-on in the course. I monitor the students through daily in-class assignments that will overall count as 20% of their grade.
Becki,
this is a great strategy to get to know your students & the possible needs that are present.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I try to go through the different learning styles: I speak and ask questions; I have them read and either ask or have them write their answers; I have them perform whatever function it is and judge from that point.
By doing this, I am able to make mental notes (if not written) regarding specific student styles.
Lamarr,
yes this can be an effective way to help identify who may be your more outspoke & more reserved students.
Dr. Ryan Meers
edwardo,
this is a great way to help identify the areas of need for our students.
Dr. Ryan Meers
