Training Tip: Vary Your Technique

Photo courtesy of emdot

When teaching a course, it is important to avoid relying on only one instructional technique as you may be alienating a good majority of your students. Most people like to receive information in one of three basic ways: sight (visual), sound (auditory) and touch (kinesthetic). Unless they make a conscious point to do otherwise, most instructors tend to pick the technique that matches their own information intake style.

So when you introduce a new concept, try to include a good verbal explanation, a visual demonstration or drawing and hands-on practice.

Types of visual aids you can use:

• White Board
• Flip Chart
• Overhead Projector
• Slides
• Props

If they don’t understand it, draw it!

Many people consider handouts a visual aid; personally, I avoid handouts until after the class is over as they tend to be a distraction to the student. Past experience has shown that instead of paying attention to you, students will direct their attention to reading the handouts.

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• Adding Animation to PowerPoint 2007 Slides
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