Application of new knowledge
Most of our courses are associated with some sort of lab experience for the students allowing them to apply their newly obtained skills or knowledge with hands on application. I have found this greatly enhances their understanding of the subject matter before a course final exam is administered. I think this gelling of information experience has allowed some students who were lacking in the needed knowledge to pass the final exam, pass a course they might not. I think this is proof, this method be continued and even extended into some sort of "lab" experience for other subjects. Am I off base?
Katherine,
You have touched upon a very sound learning theory. The more relevancy and application we can make with our content the more knowledge retention there is going to be by the students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I try to simulate lab experiences for students in lecture classes by incorporating active learning activities, such as the crisis game mentioned earlier. By asking students to apply the knowledge or skills they ahve learned, they are more likely to remember it for the future.
Tom,
I agree and you are not off base with your thinking. The more integration of learning that can be offered the better. The more application and relevancy opportunities that are provided to students the higher the cognitive retention there is going to be. So the more "lab" work that can be incorporated the more success there will be.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
