Lesson strategy

For this post, I am to describe a lesson planning strategy that incorporates the different learning styles of the students as well as the concepts of "single loop" and "double loop learning". For those unfamiliar with the topics, single loop learning is akin to a thermostat that attempts to keep the air at a constant temperature, while double loop learning is like a thermostat that not only attempts to keep a constant temperature, but makes a judgment as to why any given temperature setting is appropriate. As a biostatistician, I will stay within my discipline in describing a hypothetical lesson. As such, it is important to realize that most students fall into two categories: those who are better at theory than applied methods or vice versa.

An introduction to any lesson will begin with a motivation into why the topic is being presented. A theoretic (mathematical) framework will be constructed and the theory to a particular statistical method will be described. However, the proofs or theoretical framework will not be exhaustive as the missing pieces will be assigned for homework. Starting with a mathematical framework will ensure that all of the students are on the same page notation-wise and know generally the steps needed to complete their homework.

After the theory is presented, an applied problem using the recommended software will be undertaken in the class. This is enables the students who are better in theory to understand and learn how to run the analysis with real data.

Depending on the structure and level of the course, limitations and other issues regarding the analysis will be touched upon. Optimally, this will be done in groups, but a quick presentation and a homework problem or two could be assigned in place of a group discussion.

This framework benefits both the theory and applied orientated students in that both get a solid background of the topic and an appreciation of both the theory and applied nuances of the topic. It benefits the students who are passive learners in that a lot of material is presented to them while satisfying the active learners since many advanced topics need to be completed as homework assignments. If group work is assigned, those students who learn better in groups are satisfied, however group work would be encouraged on all assignments. Further more, a combination of oral presentations and thorough notes on a whiteboard will benefit both oral and visual learners.

Simply grading the assignments and attempting to make up any material that is lacking would be an example of single loop learning. Double loop learning would entail assigning two levels of homework: Medium and Hard. Medium questions should be able to be completed without assistance from the instructor. Hard questions could be done without the assistance of the instructor, but would most likely need some further explaining. The one-on-one meetings would give the instructor a chance to view the deficiencies of the individual students as well as the instructor.

Remediation is a tricky subject if it is found that a deficiency lies in the class. In a perfect world, we could go back and recover a topic, or schedule an extra class to go over the material. But in the real world that would never work. Therefore I am not really prepared to answer that question.