Sara Aldape 6340.64 Chapter 5: Making Connections

Synopsis:  Chapter 5

“Making Connections”

            In reading Chapter 5, it makes me realize how important it is for students to make connections.  How can you begin? Well, teaching the abstract and moving it into a concrete example.   Having many hands on activities is how learning is remembered. When we as parents build the foundation of our children at home it is easier for them to create and construct a concrete idea of whatever situation they encounter because of what they know.  They start using their prior knowledge which in turn makes them be productive individuals.  In making presentations you as a presenter must be ready to engage and not bore your audience.  A few activities mentioned in this chapter to be able to build on prior knowledge were having visuals, humor, sequencing on historical events and using digital flash cards.  We usually use our prior knowledge to predict.   When conducting a presentation, of course we want to involve our audience and make them have a meaningful and purposeful experience. In the 10:2 practice explained in the chapter the students pause for two minutes and discuss any open-ended content questions.  This makes their learning more relevant and helps them focus instead of listening to an hour lecture. 

            Using many technology applications can also help students or audience make connections by giving them tools which they will be able to visualize and get skills they need to be able to accomplish their goal.  An example they used in this chapter was “Wordle” which helps you organize and capture keywords that have been used frequently.  Connecting with your audience physically (as a participant) not just mentally plays a major role to keep them involved and interested.  Also keep in mind the language barrier, what kind of audience you will be presenting to.  Be amusing and add some humor to your presentation and just be ready to answer any questions your audience can present to you.  Using some of these techniques will make it easier for you as a presenter to be able to make connections with your audience and them to remember what was presented and not just think this is another boring presentation. 

Feinberg, Jonathon. (2009). Retrieved September 2011, from http://www.wordle.net

Burmark, Lynell, (2011)- They snooze, you lose:  the educator’s guide to successful presentations/Lynell Burmark.