Great demonstration makes for great retention
I had a great professor in college who, in introducing different kinds of public speaking projects, actually performed the introduction in the method. It was a great way to get an example of how the project should work. And it has stayed with me for 20 years.
Now, when I have the opportunity to demonstrate a skill as I am teaching, I have found that it works far better than describing the skill and then moving into a lab to work on a project. Showing is better than telling in many cases and then, the hand-on practice just supports the demonstration.
I agree demonstration is a great way to teach. In nursing demonstration is a far better way to teach a skill than reading in a book. I love teaching skills lab.
Sean,
It is great to hear from individuals that have had a great educator in their past upon whom they can mentally call as they develop their own instructional style. Glad that you had such and that individual is still influencing you all these years later.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
