Hi Sean,
This is a great instructional delivery approach. I use a similar approach in my classes and my students really become engaged in the process of making decisions about how to work through the situations that come out of the simulation. Really helps to keep the interest level high in relation to how their decisions will impact the company, employees and financial growth.
Gary
In my Strategic Management class I use a simulation that allows students to run a company and make decisions for the major functional areas of a business. First, they are able to draw on the theory that they learn in the textbook and see how it applies when they are asked to develop the overall strategies for their respective companies. Next they see the impact that their strategy will have on the decisions that need to be made in marketing, production, and finance, etc. Midway through the course it really becomes an exercise of "learn by doing", however they needed to learn the vocabulary and theory first, not only because it serves as the starting point and foundation they need to to make informed relevant decisions, but it also gives them something to refer back to when needed.
Karen,
In my nursing classes I also use power point and do as you have done.I also try to bring the students life expierences into the subject matter which actually helps the students to understand more clearly.It reinforces the subject content.Sometimes if they hear it from their peers they seem to retain it better.
By giving students information they can apply perhaps repetitivly and immediatly. Also by sharing with them real life experiences so they can see examples of info given.
Hi Charlie,
Good points about helping students to "connect the dots" between what they are learning in class and how that content will help them to achieve their career goals. They need to be reminded of this throughout the course because it is easy for them to become tired and worn down at which time they forget how much progress they have made.
Gary
Repetition is a way to help students retain and apply new information. Repetition can also be a mood breaker. Multiple task can accomplish the same end result in used in the proper manner. Remind students that what they are learning is important to the success of their newly chosen life/career. Assesments done on a regular basis and allowing the students to apply their new knowledge from the class will help in retaining the information.
The history of a particular technique is presented verbally, sometimes drawn on the white board. There is a time for questions/comments. Then the actual procedure is explained, sometimes the whole process is physically demonstrated for the class. Finally, the student(s) are asked to reproduce what was lectured/demonstrated.
To "help the student to retain and apply new information"
At the end of the class, students have an opportunity to evaluate class examples. In addition, they are asked how they might refine their plan of attack and how they can apply it in the future.
The best way I have found to do this is to show them the "real world " application of the information. Once thay see how this will help them in their career goals, they tend to retain and apply the knowledge more readily.
Hi James,
You make a good point about relevancy and application needing to be a part of teaching. By showing students how they can use the new content and skills they will be able to store this in such a way that they can make it a part of their working memory when needed though it often requires repetition and practice over a period of time.
Gary
I agree that if you can present information and then demonstrate how it can apply directly to the student they will retain their knowledge. I try to make a direct correlation with the subject to something familiar often is exactly what is needed to "make it stick".
by telling them the importance of the subject being taught,and relating it to real life in the field situations.I also tell them after a lecture they must read the information in the text numerous times,completely understand the information, then the brain will store, what was read in long term memory.It sounds so easy,alot of students today let infomation slip by them, they do not know how to prepare properly, so I must spend more time with certain students to help them to understand what they were not taught or were taught so long ago that they learned and have forgotten.
Both cognitive and tactile skills will help retain knowledge. I try to cement these skills in place by impressing the absolute importance of these skills in the work place. When all else fails the thought of saying "paper or plastic maam?" for unforseeable future seems to generate some motivation for the student.
Teaching Electrical diagnosis will take both cognitive and tactile skills. Electrical diagnosis is one of the most difficult for students to get through. In most of my classes I will have students that have a problem with there car and have the other students get diagrams and we work on them in class. Once the students have done this a few time they get the how-too and are able to work on other cars
By using their new information on a project. The information is not always relevent until they need it to complete a project
Hi Lynn,
Great to hear about your teaching success and how you are moving your instructional skill development forward. Looking forward to hearing about your teaching success.
Gary
I believe in my class that I teach I will get more hands on. The more I teach this course, the more I am'tweaking' it and am filtering the important and not so important info and skills needed to succeed in this career.
I am excited to start the next quarter after taking ED102, and will use the info gained to finish this quarter with a bang!
Hi Michael,
Personalized instruction is a key component of retention and student satisfaction. You are teaching a subject that can be challenging for students and by making it personal you are creating a connection for them. Great job!
Gary
Since I teach economics, its helpful to have assignments that ask students to explain how a particular economic phenomenon has affected them in their own lives. They respond to that well, often writing several more paragraphs than was expected.
An instructor can help students to retain and apply new information by:
1.Using examples and scenarios familiar to the majority of the students,and then applying those simple concepts to more difficult automotive concepts.
2.Putting the object of leaning into the students hands.Using this tactile type of instruction takes the mystery out of automotive concepts.
Hi Tom,
I understand where you are coming from. I like to learn through tactile experiences as well. These experiences help to cement the connection between course content and application. Thus the take away from the course is greatly increased.
Gary
