In teaching I use many teaching strategies. Some have been used in the hairdressing industry for years and others have been changed to improve the way students learn. All these strategies are reviewed at the end of the year to ensure the best quality of teaching and learning. My main priority is to engage and motivate my students whilst using VARK/FS/SMART. I agree with Armitage when he quotes Curzon:-
“Motivation is a key factor in learning and is linked very closely to attitude. Motivation has been described as ‘a person’s aroused desire for participation in a learning process’ (Curzon 1990:195) How to arouse and maintain desire is of concern both to the student and the tutor”
Armitage, Evershed, Hayes, Hudson, Kent (2012) pg71
In practical sessions I start with health and safety we need to think about whilst using the salon. The students’ write bullet points or a spider diagram on the board to be refer to. I do a demonstration to remind the students ‘of techniques and how to use the equipment. I give out the Instructions/hand-outs/ consultation sheets at this stage to help the students learning. I then organise students into pairs. This ensures the students interact with each other and give each other peer support. I go around asking open questions to enhance learning whilst observing their practical skills. Petty has a good explanation for teaching methods when he suggests:-
The Review on Course Selection And Course Experience On Students’ Learning Style
Using questionnaire survey on accounting and engineering undergraduate students, this study examines whether course selection and course experience could influence their learning style preference. Four types of learning style identified in Kolb’s model: converger, diverger, assimilator, accommodator were examined. The results show that courses enrolled by students could influence their learning ...
“A variety of teaching methods make the teacher’s job more stimulating and enjoyable. One-method teachers bore themselves as well as the students.”
Petty (2009) pg159
It is beneficial to work on a real person rather than a block all the time. The blocks are used a lot at the start of the course in stimulation to give the student time to get their confidence whilst using unfamiliar tools and equipment. Previously blocks had been used in assessments according to NVQ /BTEC standards but this has been changed as the blocks are not a good substitute for the real thing.
At the end of the lesson students write a summary of what they achieved and give each other feedback. At the end of the session I give out a Memory Jogger to remind the students of any key words and technics used. They will learn this for homework.
Theory lessons are similar. At the start of the lesson students will have questions on the board. This to make sure they are retaining information from the previous lesson. Students work in groups or pairs depending on the information needed. Students only work independently when they are revising for the end of unit tests or are logged into City & Guilds Smart screen attempting online activities.
To help the students with their learning I use many resources. These include Hand-out, textbooks, Power point and flip charts. I take photos of any A3 paperwork or flipchart work produced to be put in their folders. A Memory Jogger is hand out for homework.
At the end of each unit there is a test. I use City & Guilds online multiple choices test. In the past I have use paper test but I have found that the multiple choice helps to jog the student’s memory if they go blank. If the student knows the information but struggles getting it down on paper the online test helps.
At the end of the term I give a tutorial. Students write down what they have achieved, if they have struggles with anything and their goals for the next term. This is signed by the student and teacher. This is revisited at the end of the next term to make sure progress is made. Word Count 519 without Quotes
The Essay on Standardized Testing Students Test Tests
Standardized Testing Every year thousands upon thousands of children, ages seven and upwards sit down to take their scheduled standardized tests. This generation has been classified as the most tested in history. "Its progress through childhood and adolescence" has been "punctuated by targets, key stages, attainment levels, and qualifications" ("Stalin in School" 8). Each year the government ...
