Trick #1: Those who can't do, YouTube.
In my most recent tutoring experience, my student was describing to me that earlier that day in math class, he had been working on a lesson on prime numbers. My immediate internal reaction was, "what in the world is a prime number!?" As he attempted to explain what his work sheet had been like, I became more and more confused, but he mentioned that his teacher told him they would be responsible for knowing prime numbers up to 35. This at least provided me with a jumping off point. Over the weekend I had taken my math competency exam (a program requirement at my university) and recalled how easily I had been able to brush up on mathematic concepts such as long division through YouTube videos (shoutout to Math Antics). I then did a quick search on his iPad and found a comprehensive looking video:
In my most recent tutoring experience, my student was describing to me that earlier that day in math class, he had been working on a lesson on prime numbers. My immediate internal reaction was, "what in the world is a prime number!?" As he attempted to explain what his work sheet had been like, I became more and more confused, but he mentioned that his teacher told him they would be responsible for knowing prime numbers up to 35. This at least provided me with a jumping off point. Over the weekend I had taken my math competency exam (a program requirement at my university) and recalled how easily I had been able to brush up on mathematic concepts such as long division through YouTube videos (shoutout to Math Antics). I then did a quick search on his iPad and found a comprehensive looking video:
This video from Khan Academy was extremely helpful to both of us. We were able to continue where the video leaves off and worked for the next 20 minutes to discover whether or not numbers 8-25 were prime. At this time it was the end of our session and my student was very excited and proud to show his parents the work he had accomplished.
I was very impressed with this video lesson and after some thought I've come up with what I believe to be the main reasons why:
1. The video provides it's viewers with information that can be received by several learning styles.
2. It started out with the basic definitions a viewer would need in order to comprehend the video.
3. The goal of the overall presentation was clarity.
These techniques displayed in the video are universal to any lesson plan. By appealing to different learning styles, building upon prior knowledge, and seeking clarity in the execution, educators can deliver quality foundations for students to fuel rich learning experiences. Whether in the classroom, or in the Creator's Studio, technology empowers educators to execute great content for our learners.
I was very impressed with this video lesson and after some thought I've come up with what I believe to be the main reasons why:
1. The video provides it's viewers with information that can be received by several learning styles.
- By explaining the topic both verbally and visually, the creator is able to appeal to a wider audience of learners, as well as increasing their chances of being understood by more viewers.
- This was beneficial to both my student and myself, who both admit to not be the greatest mathematicians.
2. It started out with the basic definitions a viewer would need in order to comprehend the video.
- Having little knowledge - who am I kidding? ZERO knowledge - on the subject, it was very effective that the creator began with the very foundations of the topic:
- What is a prime number?
- What does it consist of?
- By fulfilling these questions right off the bat, my student and I were able to have a complete understanding of what a prime number is, and what they will look like.
- Having this foundation early on in the video allows all viewers to achieve the same basic level of understanding, and for these concepts to be built upon.
- The main reason I believe this video is most effective is because it starts at the very beginning of the subject and works it's way up. The creator did not hammer in the procedure to the point where it became exhaustive, but just long enough that we were able to follow an effective pattern.
3. The goal of the overall presentation was clarity.
- There were so many other videos that we clicked on before and after this one that began by asking if a ridiculous number like 539725677 is a prime number [slight exaggeration], and how to solve for this complex problem. Because we had no prior knowledge prime numbers this style of teaching had no impact on us and no effect on our comprehension.
- I also really appreciate the incorporation of colour into this lesson. It is done in a manner that adds a high degree of clarity and organization of thought, but does not become too overwhelming for the viewer.
These techniques displayed in the video are universal to any lesson plan. By appealing to different learning styles, building upon prior knowledge, and seeking clarity in the execution, educators can deliver quality foundations for students to fuel rich learning experiences. Whether in the classroom, or in the Creator's Studio, technology empowers educators to execute great content for our learners.