A strategy is something that is created, to achieve a desired outcome, and consist of actions to achieve this outcome. Designing a strategy for a learning lesson encourages openness, with oneself and stockholders, and requires debate and discussion, to allow for adoption and implementation of the strategy. I currently use one key strategy, which can be called Immersion. This strategy is characterized by the following:
- It aims to help the student reflect and image (apply) the content in a fun way, such as the “I am the pathogen” activity.
- It aims to involve (immerse) students in learning tasks related to their communities, families, day-to-day lives and interests. Examples include the “Community versus Infectious Enemies” activity.
- It aims to build a mobile learning media that captures learners attention all the time by introducing current news, exercises, discussions and tools for continuous engagement. To this end, I use the mobile application called Whats App, and YouTube.
- It aims to challenge the learners with current real-life problems (or even dilemmas) that are facing the field of study they are currently learning. Such as the one described in my post entitled “Using Kolb’s experiential learning cycle: an example”.
I also use a Repetition-based strategy. This is also very useful with many learners. It allows them to be more clear of the content they need to learn. I use lectures, the YouTube and an “exercise notebook” for this strategy.
These strategies and their activities increase the learners’ motivation and engagement and also allow for cooperative learning. Moreover, the learners always feel safe because they can go back in their own time to listen to the lectures on YouTube and learn and practice with the “exercise notebook”. Overall, continuous engagement is possible.
- What helps/hinders students’ learning?
- What problems do you currently face in terms of student achievement and/or engagement?
د. محمد بن عبد الله آل قمبر 