Different Learning tools
Being that my classes are fairly large and time is fairly limited, I incorporate several different tools for memorization and learning in my lessons. For the lectures, I use an outline with fill in the blank slots. That way students are engaged and participating in order to complete their outline. I also use many real life examples to show them how information can be applied outside of the classroom. Prior to exams, I also develop flashcards. Lastly we also do review games similar to Jeopardy. This way, there's a tool for everyone.
Ethel,
The more methods the better in terms of how to get material stored in the working memory of students. Both of these methods help them to see that they can acquire the content if they are willing to put forth the effort.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Heather,
This is a great way to get a read of your class. Thanks for sharing it with us as I know it will be helpful to other instructors.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I always encourage my students to use flashcards for all terminology study techniques. I also encourage them to use their CD-ROM with each text book to complete certain activities that will allow more understanding of the topic of discussion at that time.
At the beginning of each quarter, I hand out flash cards to my new group of clinical students and have them write down how they learn best: hands-on, listening, visual, reading, etc. I then collect the cards and take them home so I can see the learning 'demographics' of my class. As I prepare my lessons, I try to incorporate reading assignments, videos and hands-on activities during each class session with the goal of reaching all my learners. We also participate in games like Jeopardy where the class is randomly divided into groups and it makes for a lively review for upcoming tests and assessments.
Danny,
Yes, this such an important part of the instructional delivery process in order to keep students engaged.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I agree & some times you are forced to use may strategies in ine lecture to insure geting through to all of them
Sonja,
My night class is composed of individuals that are real goal oriented and are working hard to improve their skills and knowledge. They have a much higher retention rate of the material because they see the value of it based upon their life experiences.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Sonja,
Good activities to use as they help students to focus on the content they need to remember and make it a part of their working memory.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I teach at a career college as well and these students want to know everything "right now" but they do not remember the key points unless I specifically outline them. My night class seems to be more mature and on task.
I also use different tools to facilitate memory and learning such as reviewing the homework in class, we do a review game similar to Family Feud, and I try to relate our topic to something going on in current events.
I follow this process as well in groups of 4 max. by doint this i find the students are more engaged in the topics we're discussing.
Jeff,
You make a good point in relation to group size. I have found that 3-4 members is ideal, with larger classes the number can go to 6. With these numbers everyone can have a part in the discussions and be a part of the problem solving effort if case studies are used.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I found group study can help as long as the groups dont get to large.
I really have to agree with this. I have a wide age range in my classroom and I think this can be really helpful when you can use life experience and course content to make an impression that students can really relate to.
Randy,
I like to use games in my classes as well. My students really like to play them when we review for a quiz. They get competitive very quickly wanting to win prizes (pieces of candy)and being a part of the winning team. Fun time but a a great learning opportunity.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I also play jeopardy as a way students help retain the information, I also have a deck of cards with questions and answers on them and the students pick cards ask questions to fellow students then if the student answers correctly then that student pulls a card and has the option to ask any student a question.
Anne,
Yes it does. For me this is one of the enjoyable parts of teaching. I get to work with a diverse group of individuals that have a common goal and that is to be successful in the course. Together as a learning community we can achieve that goal if everyone is willing to put forth the needed effort.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Having a diverse student body in class not only challenges your ability to teach but also allows you to see the various methods of learning that the students have developed either in the classroom or through their experience in the workplace.
Mary,
Yes it does. Sounds like the student body we have. The fun part is figuring our how to meet the different learning needs of the different ages and types of students that are enrolled. Always a great feeling when you know you have nailed it for that class session.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
