Mixing it up.
I have found that mixing up active learning strategies keeps students on their toes. I have one project where they start out as a group, then work individually, then incorporate the other students individual parts in their projects, then funnel it into all back into a group project. Which is how they will end up working in the industry. The skills and concepts that they need to learn are onion skinned (layered) into the project.
I start with "Why am I doing this?". If I do not have an underlying "philosophy" for my course/lesson I'm starting on a weak foundation. I then pick a delivery method(s). Then at the end of it (the preparation process) I figure out how to measure the success of the endeavour.
I totally agree. I try to mix things up during lecture also. We have some that last for two days, so I will stop and do an activity or have them work on a project or lab sheet for about a half hour, then back to the lecture. Keeping the blood flowing helps keep them attentive.
Hi Eric,
You are right! Students love variety when it comes to learning. It reminds me when I was in grade school and the teacher would give out a list of spelling wordsa, and each day for a week we had to do a different activity with the words to learn how to spell them.
Patricia Scales
This *mixing it up" sounds like a great idea. It has started me thinking about how I can do some "mixing it up" in my classes.
Hi Vickie,
Try new things, role playing, students teaching a chapter, scenarios, simulations, group presentations, etc.
Patricia Scales
I agree, but would like to add that the current generation going through the school system seems to need active learning to keep up with what they experience through out there current daily lives.Fast Pace World
Hi Shaun,
You are right! The Millenial Generation has to be engaged to avoid boredom. They are use to things being done quickly, and technology is also key with this generation.
Patricia Scales
I really love this strategy of changing the work group/situation. Thank you for this tip. I'm already trying to come up with a way I can implement this in the next few weeks in my night class.
Hi Melville,
Students love it when we change things up a bit. This strategy is very effective and students really do enjoy it.
Patricia Scales
This is great. Once you have the students's attention you have to keep it and build on that.
Hi Roosevelt,
An instructor should be engaging and have a variety of teaching methods to keep the students interested and excited.
Patricia Scales
