Retaining information
To help assist the student to retain the information taught, I use visual examples and repetition. For example, when I am teaching a software class, I show them visually how something is done, repeat the process, then have them do the procedure on their own. Doing this in stages helps the student learn better without being overwhelmed.
Hi Eric,
I like to follow this model as well. It really helps to make the content real and relevant. The cognitive retention is much higher with this approach.
Gary
I like to follow every class day with a lab day that reinforces exactly what was taught the previous day through practical application. The repitition really allows the info to sink in.
Hi Marla,
Good plan for sequential learning. This method creates a solid knowledge/skill base upon which the students can build toward the competence levels needed for career success.
Gary
I agree as well. I teach a dental radiology course. When the students are learning I will lecture/ outline the activities of that lab for the day,go over the material/tools needed for the hands on portion, demonstrate on the DXTR (training mannequin) and then have them practice it by temselves. Each day the lab will build on the previous lab (like connecting the dots to get the big picture). By the end of the course the students are competent and can take that skill with them and use it for the rest of their career.
Hi Peter,
Yes it does. I feel like this seals the deal in terms of application and relevancy for students.
Gary
Hands on goes well with practical viewing and demonstration.
I agree...repetition throughout the program is key.
As a culinary instructor I am constently using a demo for each recipe. During production I am also hands on helping them remember what i showed them in the demo.
Hi Wendy,
For many courses repetition is essential so the students will acquired the needed terms or skills. You have had success with using repetition in your courses so I am wondering if you would share some of your strategies for keeping repetition interesting and engaging for the students while covering the material?
Thanks for your input on this.
Gary
I agree. Repetition. Many students have told me they love my class because of the repetition. I often worry that it is monotonous but they love it.
I think repetion of the task is a good way to learn and master what needs to be learned. Teach it, demonstrate it and then have the learner perform it.
Hi Barbara,
Right you are. Certain fields require skill sets that are specific and totally internalized by the learner. Medicine being one of those. This is why instructors in your field need to look for ways to offer repetition of content in a way that will lead to retention.
Gary
In the medical courses that are taught there is no room for lack of retention. Frequent testing is necessary as well as hands on to evaluate their skills. If a student cannot retain the material necessary for a career in medicine, then they better look somewhere else for another career. given that , the best way for retention is constant hands on.
I do the same thing, I give a little demo going over what we just discussed and show them how to do it and then let them try it out. Then I also show how it is used in the real world and why it is so important to understand this information.
Hi Bruce,
Good strategy. Thanks for sharing it with us. I know it will help other instructors as they are trying to get their students to retain certain information.
Gary
The classes I instruct are only 5 ½ weeks long. The students are introduced to a very large amount of new material. As a result, repetition is minimal in order to abide by the time line. Do you have any suggestions on how to increase or maximize retention with extreme time limitations?
IN RETAINING INFORMATION I LIKE TO USE THE IRA THEORY..LETS REMEMBER I-IMPRESSION..R-RECOGNITION..A-ASSOCIATION. LETS MAKE AN IMPRESSION THRU AN ASSOCIATION THAT WE CAN RECONIZE.
i teach in the same way,presentation then walk thru the labs, then let them do it on there own so that they get the most out of it.
Hi John,
Good advice for all of us to follow. We need to vary the approach to repetition so it keeps the students engaged and enjoyed the learning process.
Gary
