Dawn, I agree. As you can see from the posts of others, this is a popular teaching idea as well.
Michele Deck
The weakest link because it promotes critical thinking. I like it because it helps the student transition information from classroom to real world.
I really like the critical thinking and case study approaches to solidify knowledge and it puts it in real world perspective
Dawn, I wish you much success with this teaching idea. I know it works!
Michele Deck
B., this is a very popular strategy and I hope you incorporate it into many of your classes.
Michele Deck
The strategy varies depending on the subject matter and even the type of student / personality of the class. The "Weakest Think" is probably my favorite as the group discussions and problem solving help the weaker students tremendously. I've found that the shy or insecure student is more apt to get engaged in a smaller group.
I really like the weakest think activity because it addresses critical thinking skills. This is a difficult skill to teach. I will definitely be using this in the classroom next week.
Lawrence, being able to incorporate these teaching ideas into online and live classes shows your flexibility and will benefit your learners.
Michele Deck
I really had to contemplate this as I found I used various ones in different settings. I have one class online-it is very good for those who are intimidated by "A" Type people and are reluctant to speak up in a classroom setting. To ask leading questions about the content of the class can engender discussions from one, then another chimes in. And it encourages critical thinking, as well as passing on their own experiences while in their clinical settings.
Mindi, I'm glad you got positive results from this teaching idea.
Michele Deck
Both the capture attention and observing and assessing ILAs are great. Thinking outside the box is not normally done as thinking inside the box takes little or no effort as it relies on heuristics after a certain point. I will use the F, M and A, M activity as well and yours about lining up by birthdate without talking to find out who comes first in the year/line for capture attention exercises. Students realize in that moment of time (thinking outside of the box) that more things are possible if they only look at it differently.
I enjoyed the "weakest think" activity...It seems to really help the students develop the thinking that they will need when working with patients. I can see it helping with their confidence also.
I use such games in my classes and found them to be much helpful.
I have found that using games is a great way to keep students engaged and learning. I use a variety of techniques, including a scavenger hunt for supplies, what's missing/wrong? and PPE game, in which the student randomly chooses a disease and then must put the appropriate protective equipment on. It is entertaining as well as educational.
I am in the habit of having the students physically perform the activity following the lecture demonstratin
I like the Weakest Think. It is important to know if the student is retaining what they have learned in a way that uses critical thinking skills.
Janelle, I'm glad that this is the one that rings true for you. May it bring you very positive results with your learners!
Michele Deck
I like most of the ideas proposed, but think that the weakest think is an exercise that would benefit my students the most. They have a difficult time with critical thinking and this exercise incorporates both collaboration and critical thinking skills in a fun and interactive way.
Sherry , giving an overview and then diving in with involving strategies is an excellent approach.
Michele Deck
I am a very hands on instructor. I like to present a short lecture and then break to demonstrate the key ideas. I use the white board, inquiry, document camera, and role play to get students involved in the learning.
