Pruning
I never really related previous experienc to pruning. I will use this to help my class filter the necessary information they learn.
Harold,
It really does help students to be efficient responders to questions and critical thinking situations.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
this method is oustanding in the result that it has given when used properly
Is establishing clear learning objectives and making sure students know them an important part of pruning? I see this as helping students know what to focus on.
This is the exact reason that I don't recommend highlighting a textbook. Often, students don't know what information in the text is critical and what info is supplemental. To help them with this, I have them read the chapter before class and then provide lecture outlines for them to fill in as we go through that topic. After a few weeks, they start to see how to prune out the information that is most important to their practice and boards. I also encourage them to take my outlines and prepare their own study notes, cutting out any additional information I've included to illustrate a point. This reductionist approach has been very successful for anatomy & physiology courses.
Frederick,
Good for you. As an educator you are using "best practices" in your class to engage your students in learning. Keep up the good work.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I've been teaching my students how to prune before I took this course. I've always felt that some students were trying to take in to much information. For instant, when I would help them find a particular subject in their books. I would see large areas of a paragraphs highlighted. I would explain to them that they should only highlight the pertinent information.
I also like the outline format. It keeps students forcused on the main objectives, and helps them not get lost in the explanation. It helps them know what to focus on and what not to prune.
William,
I think you will find that is will help you as you select content for your students. Also, you can help them to become more efficient learners by having this information.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I too find pruning an interesting new concept to me. It gives more validity to the concepts of its the way I have always done it. It also allows me to redirect this comeback in a different direction.
Shoaib,
That has been my experience as well when I was teaching technical content. Helps students to see the core content and then build from there.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
As a respiratory instructor, I found that structured outlines and graphic organizers help a lot to cut to the main trunk and get the essential key concepts.
James,
Good to hear. Hope this information will be of help to you as you plan your future instructional strategies.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
"Pruning" is an interesting and new perspective. We automatically tend to proceed along paths which have been most productive for us. I just saw it as the path of least resistance. Considering the various intelligences allows me to understand what is taking place and to use that understanding to glean a bit more from the experience.
I find is this my students greatest challege when a respiratory therapist hase such a large knowledge base in which they must draw from. I think I might need some more concrete tools to help them "prune" their information better. I already have them do Question & Answer cards. I will be introducing them to outline flowcharts next week. Does anyone else have a "pruning" tool for me?
Charlene,
This is such a wonderful thing you are doing. You are creating a foundation for success through your study skills class. By giving the students new skills and/or reshaping the ones they have you are showing them how they can be successful in the upcoming course if they are willing to put forth the effort.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Yes, the concept of PRUNING was interesting to me as well. I guess that's why its so hard to motivate adult learners to change their study habits and learning behaviors when their method doesn't seem to be working for them anymore. This is why I hold a week long study skills class in the beginning of my 33 week course. It has kept alot of my students from getting overwhelmed and helped them open their minds to learning creatively from the beginning.
Tom,
I think you will be very please with the results you achieve using this method.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
