Class VS Lab
i find that my students really like the short lectures and go to lab and put their hands on what we talked about in class. all students like lab. so i teach a lot out in the lab.
Hi Lynn,
Can you break the students into small groups (3-4) and do a demonstration on handling and lifting a small dog onto an exam table. Then have that group practice that procedure while you demo how to grasp and handle a kitten. Then each student in the group can work through the procedure and practice with the animal. You can rotate through the groups giving them tips on techniques they can use.
If you are working with large animals you can have the students work with squeeze chute as well. This should keep everyone involved in the learning process while you are available make sure the animal handling is safe and correct.
Gary
How do you handle a large class (12+) of students in a live animal lab with no lab assistant?
It is a 'intro' class and students have little or no experience handling said animals.
we try to teach to all learning styles and depending on the material we lecture first or go to lab and then lecture on what we saw in lab, so they have a better understanding of the material given in c the classroom.
Hi Justin,
This is a good way of teaching an area that involves so much creativity. It is the consultative model where the students get the benefit of your experience and knowledge while developing their skills. This really helps to make it real for them.
Gary
I like to teach through projects and lab time as opposed to giving lectures. My classes are only 20% lecture. I think back to when I was just starting out in the design field, how I felt I learned much more as an intern and working side by side with a professional designer on an important project. I try to set up my class in this way and give mock design jobs to the students and work closely with each one when they need help. I actually encourage them to tackle a difficult design and get stuck on a problem so we can work it out one on one. The students really seem to appreciate the hands on real world scenarios.
i find that my students really like the short lectures and go to lab and put their hands on what we talked about in class. all students like lab. so i teach a lot out in the lab.
Me Too
Hi Jimmy,
Good point keeping students engaged in the learning process. They need variety and by moving them into the lab and then back to the classroom you are helping them to refocus mentally and physically.
Gary
I think the key thing here is not to let them come back to a 3 hour boring lecture. Lecture should include the students with question and answer opportunities so you can gauge what they are retaining. While explaining how a component works go to lab and show them hands on then go back to the classroom and discuss what they just accomplished. Just because it is a "lecture day" doesn't mean you can't make multiple trips to the lab to keep it from being a boring lecture.
The system i used to keep retention up is give them something to look forward to at the beginning of each class. this allows them to get motivated into coming to class and be very active as well. I intorduce to them that evry other day we will be in lab snd they practice what they have learned the day before. this helps with retention and keeps them involved
Hi Tom,
Can't blame the students concerning their not wanting to get back to a 3 hour lecture. The integration of activity and content needs to be coordination so the students develop both the knowledge needed as well as the expertise to perform the needed skill sets.
Gary
The balance of Lab and Class can be key to retention. The lab is often the proof of their learning and therfore supports the enthusiasm of learning new and valuable information. Students are likely to come back to experience this "good feeling " of accomplishment. Very few students are in a hurry to get back to a 3 hour boring lecture.
Hi Michael,
Tactile learners need to move around and handle objects, etc. By offering them variety you are keeping their interest and focus on the course content. Good job.
Gary
I agree with what you are saying about changing the venue. Some times I will take my class out to lab and instead of lecture I will simply explain what the pieces are what they do and how they work together. The students seem to prefer that over a powerpoint lecter in the classroom.
Hi Leonardo,
You have a good plan going for your students with you changing the pace of the class ever so often. Students can only last about 15 minutes with a lecture and then they need some kind of activity to help them refocus. So keep sharing your experiences, stories and insights and you will continue to engage them in the learning process.
Gary
All labs have at least a little bit of lecture. I can usually see in my students eye when I might be losing them, so I try to make it fun with little stories here and there to keep them interested, and maybe even laugh every now and then to make it fun. I also explain to my students that most students that come throught my school learn better by doing, Even myself, But that doesn't mean we CAN"T learn it. It just means that we we have to try harder to make sure it sticks. I also try to keep the students involved by asking questions every few minutes. This helps them to stay alert for some interaction.
Hi David,
Tactile or hands on learning is an effective way of integrating the cognitive part of learning with the physical. With the giving of and passing of the quiz the students are earning the right to be in the lab. I am sure this is motivator. They want to pass the quiz so they can go to work.
Gary
I find that if you mix up your classroom time with your lab time it helps. Somedays you look at the class and just say its a lab day today. Just to see the student face lights up to go lab.
It makes me happy
The students cannot wait for the hands on lab part of the class. The students must have an understanding of the lecture that was just presented in order actively participate in the lab. They are given a short quizz that they must pass first in order to participate.
Hi Jerry,
Learning is much more effective if we can involve multiple senses in the learning process. When students get to touch and manipulate objects, tools and materials the retention rate goes up much higher. You get to direct your students in lab situations and as a result get to see their skills develop.
Gary
