Jeff,
My students can't wait for review time because of the games. They get real competitive during the games which greatly increases their content retention and improves their test scores. Have fun with the games.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I intend to play a game of some sort during the review session for an exam. I used to allow study time and question and answer sessions. Now I intend to try a game show type format that will include everyone and minimize socializing.
Applying the knowledge received in the classroom in daily practice or in the laboratory as the case. But the base to retain new information is put into practice at the first opportunity.
Karen,
You have listed some great strategies for getting students involved in the learning process. Students are used to being passive learners and you are helping them to become active learners.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Gerald,
How do you do this with your students? Thanks for your input on this.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Rasiel,
Good point. Application and relevance has to be seen by the students if they are going to become engaged in the learning process. They need to feel they are getting an ROI on their efforts.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
The secret to emsuring that students retain and apply new information is to make sure they are not learning by rote. I really like the statement from the course that you have to "...invoke the brain's natural capacity to integrate information." To make that happen, learning has to be active.
I've used the think, pair, share model and I like the idea of having students write a short definition or description of a process or a 60 second term paper. I'm going to be looking for opportunities to having students write.
I quiz my students before every lecture on the material that will be presented that day. This forces them to read the textbook and have a summary of the knowledge they'll be learning that day because I immediately give them the results to their quizzes before lecture starts.
I use a lot of personal anecdotes related to the topic at hand. They are usually of a humorous nature that keeps their attention.
I ask questions throughout the lecture to see if they are paying attention. I give a ten minute break to refresh themselves. I ask students to paraphrase their notes. I ask students if they can answer a students' question.
a way to help students retain new knowledge is the practice is to apply the theoretical or practical classes in laboratory specimens, in my case that taught pharmacology and phlebotomy practice is essential and very helpful to apply theoretical knowledge and retain .
In a lecture setting,I like to start the day with a quick review of the previous day material. I also include a real workplace example of the new material and how it is being utilized. In my program, students enjoy hearing the practical application of what is new and cutting edge.
I use real-life examples and recap important points.
Marilyn,
Right you are. What are some strategies you use that have worked well in getting students to see themselves as a viable part of the class and become invested in the learning process? Thanks for sharing with us.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
The best way is to use examples that they can relate to. Show enthusiasm and diversity in your delivery. Encourage participation and creativity. Allow for meaningful interactions between teacher and student.
Darlene,
I like this format because it has the students contributing to the class in a number of different ways. This method also builds their self confidence and communication skills since they are making class presentations. A win win for everyone.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I enjoy having the class do an oral presentation as their class project. They get to use the library and internet to access information on subjects we are discussing in class. the students work on their communication skills and I have found that many bring a "new light" to the "dim" subject matter that we have been learning.
Using differentiated instruction. Teach the students the material through lecture. Show them how the material is utilized and then have them perform the task themselves. This will have it stick into their memory in three ways. Verbal, visual and tactile.
SHOW STUDENTS THE HAND SKILLS TO BE ENFORCED IN LAB AGAINST LECTURE
