learning styles
I feel that understanding all types of learners helps with delivery of material...its not fair to assume that all students learn the same way.
Gerry,
Certainly seems as if you have all bases covered. Thank you for your post.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
I teach a "Theory" course. I have the students for the first 6 weeks of what is a program that lasts anywhere from 48 weeks to in some cases over 90 weeks depending on how many electives the student chooses. The course, as designed, has no "hands on." I use a combination of the designed lecture, supported by videos with simple, group based, "hands on" labs. The labs are not graded, but are designed to allow the students to add tactile learning to the lectures and videos. I circulate throughout the room during the lab. I always let the students try the labs on their own. I observe, ask questions, then, when appropriate, demonstrate the proper techniques and show them where they have done things incorrectly. I have found this usually provides opportunities for all learning styles to assimilate the information.
Beverley,
The information I have seen indicates up to a 90% retention of information when students are teaching each other.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
During lab procedures in the past I have used the process of giving a demonstration and explination about a task then having one of the students demonstrate the task, then having that same student explain what and how they are doing what they are doing to another student. I feel that overall this method has helped with retention of material that is covered during lab.
larry,
These are good words of advice. Thank you for your post.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
I have found it very easy to reach all types of learners. First if you do not have complete mastery of the subject you are in trouble and have to find ways to compensate. usually a dog and pony show, Students usually have faith in the their instructors and take what they say as gosple. If you know your subject, than start with the basics and build from there. that way you start from the bottom to the top and cover everything and in a manner that all learners can learn. To many showers who show students the material instead of teachers who have complete knowledge and expierence in the field who can teach the subject. To many people become teachers because it is a good job. My question is why would a person want to teach something they only learned in school and never expierenced the subject. I know,easy job if they can pull it off, and alot do.
Liza,
Students do retain the visual information and demonstration better than a lecture. That retention increases dramatically when they are doing it or teaching each other.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
I regularly love to incorporate videos in my class power points especially when they relate to the topic we are currently discussing. The students seem to absorb the material more when they can visually see the skills at hand being taught. The demonstration is phenomenal, especially for those students who have not quite grasped the skills that they need to acquire in a hospital setting.
Angelia,
Thank you for your response to my post. You Tube is often a great resource. Once you use the videos from the site students can review them anytime.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
Ron,
I myself am more of a visual learner, so I use this style more. The visual effects that I use combine power point, videos (yes, even you tube videos from time to time) as well as diagrams to help explain to my students the subject matter. In detailed lessons I first break theings down to the basics and build from there. I feel that you learn better if you start from scratch. Some students feel that I go too far down to the basics, but I know that I reach more students this way. My hands on approach to Lab Procedures is to have each student experience as many "safe" mistakes as they can so that they understand the results that we try to achieve. Above all, SAFETY is ALWAYS stressed from beginning to end of each lesson.
Angelia,
Thank you for your post. Do you have specific strategies for the different learning styles? Verbal, Visual, and Kinesthetic?
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
When it is possible I try address as many learning styles during my lectures and in the demonstrations of any practical procedures. I have always made it known to my students that they can come to me after class for clarification of any lecture points and also during the demonstrations so that they can gain as much information and confidence as possible for the procedures that they will take on.
april,
Yes, facilitating learning for all styles is important. And, it is less time consuming then some may think.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
