The Importance of Captivating Content
Well designed courses have a balance of students interacting with their peers, instructors, and the course content. However, this design is only as good as the course content presented to students.
Content relying mostly on lecture and a final exam won’t captivate students or create meaningful learning experiences. Below are the best practices to create captivating content.
Best Practices
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Assign content that Give Learners A Purpose
- Even if it seems obvious, always explain the “so what?” Why are students reading, watching, listening etc. or absorbing information you’ve given them? Give them a purpose so it’s clear.
- Connect what they’re doing to real-world contexts
- Instill curiosity and reward trying again after failure
- Emphasize the process just as much as the final product
- Get to know learners and cheer their strengths while addressing weaknesses
- Give students the opportunity to reflect on their journey
Resources
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Make it active learning
Making learning active allows students to test their progress and understanding as they’re absorbing the information they need.
Resources
- Active reading/listening: Using a prepared lecture, replace crucial information students need to know with fill-in boxes. While students read a chapter or listen to a lecture, have them fill in the boxes so they’re actively listening or reading for the missing information. Create a fillable form using Adobe Acrobat or use active learning templates on Brightspace
- Interactive videos: Use free programs like EdPuzzle to make any Youtube or MP4 video active by embedding open ended or multiple choice questions. Students can use them as knowledge checks to ensure they understand the material.
- Reflection: Have students reflect on the information they’re consuming. They can use these accessible flipcards on Brightspace or write a short reflection on how the information relates to their personal experience, world-view, future goals, etc.
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Offer a variety of content
Use interactive media as a means to engage learners and introduce them to new concepts.
Resources
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Want to create captivating content, but don’t have the technical skills or time to do so? Consult with the ID to discuss options: ynuredin@shepherd.edu
