What are some ways to introduce more self-directed learning activities into the classroom environment?

Kolb provided us with insight into the different types of personality. He created a four-quadrant model as well; including ways we sense, perceive and respond to external stimuli. He thought there were Thinkers, Watchers, Feelers and Doers. In my psych class I ask the class to write down which combination(s) they are and then do an inventory to see if there responses match their notions of their personality. It got me thinking, how much of what theorists assign to the left brain or right brain might be more of a process of the mind i.e. the development of the personality and how you approach problem solving?

I find when dealing with adult students they want to get to the core of the subject matter. They want cut through the fluff and get to the point.

One of the best methods I have found with helping student begin to think critically and be reflective thinkers is to have them work through a problem-solving method using a problem they are having in their own lives. I think this helps them connect with the concept and allows them to see the value of the process outside of the classroom setting.

1.Internal based 2. Improve job skills 3. Must be relevant 4. Adjust to stages of life

I use these in my anatomy class to show how each component of the body builds it in the whole body. I then use this same approach to show how they will use the things they are learning in their daily careers.

I believe their goals/aspirations could be ask a question on the pre-test and then incorporated in with the knowledge based questions.

Interesting in theory, difficult to appeal to various learning styles in the class room but this is the challenge isn't?

Out of all the factors discussed that influence learning does one trump over the other or they all equally weighted?

I employ many different teaching tools such as lecture, power-point and Youtube video as a means to help my students retain information.

I believe it is important to relate course work to real world experiences. I have learned over the years, students often have a hard time understanding how course work relates to their future career. I make it a point to connect those dots for them.

I use an online assessment with my students to determine what type of learning style they learn best with. I have found that it can be an icebreaker for students.

I believe it is important for students to be active participants in class. I personally, cut my lectures short to include time for questions.

My reflective question remains is how can we more effectively incorporate experiential learning into our courses? Our adult learners have so much to share and we need to allow them to focus on the practical application of knowledge rather than theoretical considerations. Jean

Some time ago I felt that I could be more effective if I offered the students a brief questionaire pertaining to their work experience, reasons for choosing our school, and hopes and aspirations after graduation. Now I'm going to integrate an assessment of their learning preferences, beginning with those offered in the "Learning Preference Module". Have you used such an assessment, and how has this benefited you and your learners?

As instructor you need to be very attentive on how the students react to a specific situation and be prepare to help them situated on their correct learning process.

I've found showing students how to create text and excel templates to be very helpful for their learning, and time saving too.

If you do use youtube and wikipedia sources as examples, it's important to show students that this material may not be the most accurate on that topic.

This will really help me reach some of my students. Teaching at a music school, I will show students how to listen, and not look at the music.

Has anyone seen this recent news? It suggests you can possibly learn better, not sure what to think, I need to read up on it more. http://www.npr.org/2014/01/04/259552442/want-perfect-pitch-you-could-pop-a-pill-for-that