How to Teach Effectively Bruce D. Friedman, PhD, ACSW, CSWM, LCSW February 23, 2013 CSUM Teaching Symposium

Objectives Identify your and your students’ learning style Integrated two active learning strategies to create an active learning classroom. Facilitate an active learning classroom.

Teaching and Understanding Vernon Law

Unconscious Incompetence Conscious Incompetence Conscious Competence Unconscious Competence (Secondary learning) How Learning Takes Place

VARK Visual learners Auditory learners Read/Write learners Kinesthetic learners

Visual Learners Fast talking Inpatient, often interrupt Use visual phrases Learn by seeing & imaging Teaching Strategy –use demonstrations –visually pleasing materials –paint mental pictures

Auditory Learners speak more slowly natural listeners use “hearing” type words Learn by listening & verbalizing Teaching strategy –sound good –plan & deliver organized conversation

Read/Write Learners Prefer information displayed in writing - lists Emphasize text-based input & output. Enjoy reading & writing in all forms Teaching Strategies –writing key words in list form –learners will read & rewriting notes –write ideas & principles –organize diagrams, graphs, other visual depictions into statements

Kinesthetic Learners Slowest talkers of all Slow to make decisions Use “tactile” phrases Learn by doing & manipulating Teaching Strategy –hands-on demonstration –“Walk them through” everything

Adult Learning Principles Self-directed Need to know why they need to learn Involved in setting their own learning objectives Learn in an environment that is characterized by mutual trust and respect. Learn from experiences Acquire knowledge that can be immediately applied Learn when actively involved in the learning process Involved in evaluating their progress.

Moving from Passive to Active “Active Learning Credo” Silberman, 1996 Active Learning 101 Strategies What I hear, I forget What I hear & see, I remember a little What I hear, see & ask questions about or discuss with someone else, I begin to understand. What I hear, see, do, I acquire knowledge & skill. What I teach to another, I master.

10 Methods to Get Participation 10 Methods to Get Participation Silberman, 1996 Active Learning 101 Strategies 1. Open discussion 2. Response cards 3. Polling 4. Subgroup discussion 5. Learning partners 6. Whips 7. Panels 8. Fishbowl 9. Games 10. Calling on the next speaker

Summary Identify your and your students’ learning style Integrated two active learning strategies to create an active learning classroom. Facilitate an active learning classroom.