Learning Processes
How is the best way to clearly assess a new class? Is it better to generalize a classroom as to whether they are more visual or more practical and then attend to their needs as a whole or individuals?
I'm not sure if there is a "best" way, but I think it's helpful to discuss the different types of learning styles (i.e., visual, hands-on, verbal, read/write) early on and help them understand that most of us are a combination of each. Explain to them that you'll try to teach to a variety of these styles (and really make a point to do this!). This way you'll have the best chance of reaching them. Besides, it's often good for students to improve their weaknesses in other learning styles.
As a fellow culinary instructor who is in contact with the students very early into their culinary eductation I find that using a variety of methods works well, due to the variety of students that are enrolled.
I will use try just asking them upfront and see what that produces in the way of discution. I would also think question related to back ground will be helpfull. The bottom line sounds like increased student engagement so they can tell you.
Hi Jay,
Good model and good plan. This is really going to benefit your students plus I know you are really going to enjoy the benefits of increased student engagement.
Gary
This is a great model! I will definitely use this one. It's kind of like the 3-step approach to giving "speeches"
1.) Tell them what you'll tell them
2.) Tell them.
3.) Tell them what you told them.
Being new to education could you elaberate on how to best evaluate students or more information on where to find some of those assessments.
It is an advantage to genalize the class. It has allowed me as a instructor to identify each students way of recieving the materials I deliver.
interesting method. Will try to adopt it.
Hi Richard,
You are correct in your understanding. Also, you then can vary the presentation format to reach all of the learning preferences in your course. This variety will help to keep the students engaged and focused on learning the course content.
Gary
If I understand your advise one could begin a class by using several methods of delivering information (content), then determine which methods yield the best response?
I also start by laying out the ground rules of the school and hospital we are affiliated with. I then give the students a survey with several questions which will help me understand them and their learning processes.My students experience both hands on demonstrations and return demonstrations and group interactioins.
Mariann U
I don't beleive there is a best way to clearly assess a new class. Each one is so diverse the assessment should be based on that particular class and it's diversity make-up. I will say say if one is to generalize identifying Adult learners vs right out of high school will hepl determine whether Visul or practical learning is more effective. As far as attending to the students needs as a whole or as individuals I feel whenever you can individual is always preferable.
Hi Erica,
You are right and this is why instructional planning is so critical. If instructors don't plan well and offer variety then their course is going to be a long one for both the student and themselves.
Gary
I find that no matter the type of learning that is predominant for the individual student, they can all benefit from varied presentations of material. If some things are oral, others are visual, others are kinesthetic, and all of these occur in every class. This prevents the students from falling into a lull and gets them involved engaging all parts of their brain.
When teaching our school's College Success class, we do an assessment with the students, which they often find very helpful. We also have a lecture on learning strategies and tips based on each type.
However, in my other classes, I have found it is important to consistently instruct and provide delivery utilizing several different methods, so that regardless of the learning style, the student can adjust.
As I teach at a Culinary school, it is a pretty safe assumption that many of our students are dominant visual and kinesthetic learners, thus regardless of the class, those styles should be incorporated.
By using differet methods I can reach my students easier based on their learning styles .when I want to emphaisze a particular method I make sure which is the predominant learning style in that particular class and that helps considerably.
in my oppinion, one of the most important issues for a teacher at the beginning of a semester is to have a understanding of the level of learning abilities of the students in the class and adjust the delivery of content accordingly.
I am an intrustor in a culinary schoo.I am the last instructor they will have before they go out in the real world,most of the time the student are very tired. I assess a new class by laying down vrey strong rules s on the first days and then I give them a demo of my expectation
Hi Cole,
This is a good way to "read" the students so you can develop your instructional delivery around their needs. Each class has its' own dynamics so instructors need to analyze their learning preferences and support needs so they can be more effective in their delivery.
Gary
