Retention is the key
Many times student engage in regurgitation of information in my forums. They simply copy and paste, or paraphrase, what the author writes in the text. The one most effective way to help students retain information is to have them relate to the material personally. If I see their answers are generic, I follow up with a question that asks them to specifically engage in the material and relate to it. This is the best way to help them retain information.
I agree that regurgitation of information if not enough for student understanding. If the student can use the information in an application they have a better chance of retaining the information. Devices such as acrostic and acrostic can be used by students to recall information that they don’t use that often.
Maritza,
Well said. Application and relevancy are two terms that all students need to understand as they progress through their programs. If they can see both terms in relation to their career development they will be engaged at a much higher level.
Gary
Yes, it is so important to have them personally invested in the material-this goes back to relevance.
I try to have an experience (lab task) that can be carried out after lecture/class disscussion. This helps greatly with retention. I tell the class the lab task will cement the info into their brain.
