I utilize online videos of clinical skills and procedures relevant to the topic discussed. Also use case studies at end of chapter, have students answer questions in groups and present answers to class. Both of these strategies help students change their focus.
I will throw random facts into lecture that will tie in later and give little treats/ prizes for the right answers
Suzanne, adding the colored saran wrap is a nice touch to make this teaching idea even better. Thanks for sharing it.
Michele Deck
Repetition is the key. We talk about it in lecture and then they practice it live patients. Once they become comfortable with the skill, they are expected to do that skill on all patients in the client like doing a PE or getting vitals. I really liked the idea of the spaghetti to demonstrate the anatomy of muscles. I have struggled trying to get students to understand how the connective tissue wraps around the muscle fibers and holds everything together. I could even use different color saran wrap to demonstrate the differet types of connective tissue involved.
When dealing with skills, especially when there is patient teaching involved, I like to bring up one student to be the patient, and another to be the nurse and demonstrate how they would carry out the skill and instruction.
Holly, seeing what is realistic versus just pictures in a book teaches s many things. Thanks for sharing this idea.
Michele Deck
I am a big believer in the hands on approach as well, it seems to cement the information in for the student. One good one is going to a local butcher and getting a pig heart when you are doing the circulatory system. It is not the same but seen the actual blood vessels either freeks them out or gets them interested. Another is using hotdogs to practice sutures or staples.
Just a thought but I have had my students make up the games on their own. Well actually as teams. then with each team having their own questions and board, I switch them out and have them play on another teams board.
It bacomes a real contest to see who has the best board, and the best questions. It really challenges them to dig out the best material from the book and the lectures.
Tamatha, I wish you all the best in the new year with your new ideas.
Michele Deck
I love the hands on approach! Also the different ways to learn and remember the different points!! Amazing! Can't wait to use it!!
Lawrence, I never knew the power of bragging rights until I started teaching! It is a motivating experience to many.
Michele Deck
Lawrence, I'm so glad you are seeking a variety of methods to get youe learners to fully comprehend the bones.
Michele Deck
we too have used Jeopardy in the classroom. We usually divide the class into two factions and supply them with a bell. Then the fun starts, esp. if the rewards for winning a round can be cookies, etc. Oftentimes, bragging rights is all that is needed for a reward.
I agree tht a good review is often necessary , esp. in a particularly difficult or involved chapter. It helps to ask open-ended questions and wait them out for answers. Americans abhor silence and will feel compelled to fill it in with an answer! Then re-enforce it with praise or by adding on to it.
The various sticks (by size) is an excellent teaching tool for my radiology students when going over the various bones of the body. After all, visualizing the bones on x-ray is essential, and knowing them well is essential to having a good diagnostic procedure for the dr. Altho we have plastic bones in the Lab, this is another innovative way to make it more interesting.
Jennifer, your observations of the students become the "teachable moment.' This is a great practice, thank you for sharing it.
Michele Deck
As I go around observing and assisting in lab classes, if I see common mistakes occuring, I hold up my hands in a "time out" signal and say "teaching moment" and demonstrate the correct technique again on a "patient". This reinforces the correct technique and students get another chance to see a demonstration.
Dawn, this is a multilevel learning activity and I hope more instructors incorporate this idea into their classes.
Michele Deck
I use some of the strategies submitted in the forum but I've picked up so many new ideas from this discussion that I will have to try! What an incredible resource!
I have each of my students present a case study to the class of a pathology specific to what we are studying. They use ultrasound images, signs symptoms, labs, differential diagnoses. This is very successful at promoting soft skills, knowledge base, critical thinking.
