Using Various Delivery Techniques

Getting Started and Improving on Basic

Techniques

Why is it important to use various delivery methods?

A Sampling of the Methods Possible Lectures Demonstrations Guided Discussion Student Activity Games and Simulations Case Studies Independent Studies Others??

LECTURES Most used, and abused Best for cognitive and affective Great for introducing material, sharing facts, and

summarizing information May be defined as “The transfer of information

from the teacher’s notes to the students’ notebooks without passing through the mind of either one.”

Telling isn’t teaching!

More on LECTURES Major types of lectures

– formal speeches– formal teaching lectures– informal teaching lectures– illustrated lectures– briefings

Advantages and Disadvantages of Lectures Lots of information can be shared with large groups May save time and money

May be boring for the student and the instructor

Some students are not auditory learners

Tips for Effective Lectures Begin with objectives Follow an outline Use visual aids Emphasize major points Encourage student

interaction Use a conversational

style Use humor cautiously Vary your tone of voice

Speak clearly Use proper English Move around the room Be flexible Pay attention to body

language Avoid or define technical

terms Make eye contact Summarize the lesson

DEMONSTRATIONS The teacher performs, the student watches! Best for cognitive, psychomotor and

affective Great for initial step in students’ mastery of

desired skills Especially good for teaching steps,

procedures, and relationships/reactions

More on Demonstrations Demonstrations require that the learner:

– knows what they are trying to accomplish

– knows and understands the steps

– is guided through the procedure correctly the first time

– is allowed to practice the procedure

Advantages and Disadvantages of Demonstrations Students get to see and hear the procedure

performed correctlyRequires much planning

Requires a high level of teacher skill

May be difficult to assess learning

May require “unnatural” setting

Details may be hard to observe

Tips for Effective Demonstrations Begin with objectives Be prepared Know what you are

doing Plan some type of

interaction Have a backup plan Set aside enough time

for the demo and follow-up

Break into groups

Arrange the students for maximum viewing

Break the demo into parts, if necessary

Avoid too much theory Use setups Use other instructional

aids Summarize the lesson

GUIDED DISCUSSIONS The key is that it must be guided. Primarily directed through questioning or

leading statements Generally address the cognitive and

affective domains Allows students to feel that they are part of

the instruction!

Advantages and Disadvantages of Guided Discussions Active student participation Encourages problem solving Can clarify misunderstandings promptly

May be difficult to keep on track

Requires that the learner has sufficient background resources

May be time consuming

Tips for Effective Guided Discussions

Begin with objectives Plan a good introduction Have at least an informal outline Set time limits on the discussion,

as needed Involve each of the participants Control participants who

attempt to dominate the discussion

Summarize the discussion

Student Performance Student performs, the teacher watches!! Students learn best by doing Utilizes multiple senses Includes various forms, including job tasks,

projects, and other types of practical hands-on activities

Addresses each of the three learning domains

Advantages and Disadvantages of Student Performances Involves each learner--hands on Shows true understanding Easily individualized

May be time consuming

More demands are placed on the instructor

Equipment and supplies must be ready and available for all groups of students

Tips for Effective Student Performances

Begin with objectives Have all materials, tools, and

equipment in place before the students arrive

Use real work situations Move around the lab questioning,

probing, observing, etc. Make the project a means, not an end

Use student or peer instruction