1. Brainstorming — various techniques

Interactive brainstorming is typically performed in group sessions. The process is useful for generating creative thoughts and ideas. Brainstorming helps students learn to pull together. Types of interactive brainstorming include:

  • Structured and unstructured
  • Reverse or negative thinking
  • Nominal group relationships
  • Online interaction such as chat, forums and email
  • Team-idea mapping
  • Group passing
  • Individual brainstorming
2. Think, pair, and share

Establish a problem or a question, then pair your students. Give each pair sufficient time to form a conclusion, and permit each participant to define the conclusion in his or her personal voice. You can also request that one student explain a concept while the other student evaluates what is being learned. Apply different variations of the process — your students will be engaged, communicating, and retaining more information before your eyes.

3. Buzz session

Participants come together in session groups that focus on a single topic. Within each group, every student contributes thoughts and ideas. Encourage discussion and collaboration among the students within each group; everyone should learn from one another’s input and experiences.

4. Incident process

This teaching style involves a case study format, but the process is not so rigid as a full case study training session. The focus is on learning how to solve real problems that involve real people — preparing your students for life beyond your classroom. Provide small groups of students with details from actual incidents and then ask them to develop a workable solution.

5. Q&A sessions

On the heels of every topic introduction, but prior to formal lecturing, ask your students to jot down questions pertaining to the subject matter on 3×5 index cards. After you collect the cards, mix them up, read, and answer the student-generated questions.

If you want to know other approaches to interactive educational formats, please check here:

http://www.fctl.ucf.edu/TeachingAndLearningResources/CourseDesign/Assessment/content/101_Tips.pdf

If you want to know more about the Concordia University Blog, please check here:

https://education.cu-portland.edu/blog/


Last modified: Thursday, 5 July 2018, 3:30 PM