Creating opportunities for students to apply new knowledge independently from "summary" of Teaching What You DonÕt Know by Therese Huston
Providing opportunities for students to put their new knowledge into practice on their own is crucial for their learning and growth. When students are able to independently apply what they have learned, they are better able to solidify their understanding and retain the information for the long term. By allowing students to work through problems or projects independently, instructors can assess their comprehension and identify any areas that may need further clarification. This also fosters a sense of autonomy and self-efficacy in students, as they gain confidence in their ability to apply their knowledge in real-world situations. Encouraging students to apply new knowledge independently can also help them develop critical thinking skills and problem-solving abilities. When students are given the opportunity to tackle challenges on their own, they are forced to think creatively and come up with solutions on their own. This not only deepens their understanding of the material, but also prepares them for future challenges they may face in their academic or professional careers. Additionally, independent application of new knowledge allows students to make connections between different concepts and see how they can be applied in various contexts. Instructors can create opportunities for independent application of new knowledge through various means, such as assigning projects, group work, case studies, or real-world simulations. These activities provide students with a chance to apply what they have learned in a hands-on, practical way, rather than simply regurgitating information back to the instructor. By engaging in these types of activities, students are able to actively construct their own understanding of the material and make it personally meaningful to them.- Creating opportunities for students to apply new knowledge independently is essential for their learning and development. By fostering autonomy, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, instructors can help students become more confident and competent learners. This approach not only benefits students in the short term, but also equips them with the skills they need to succeed in their future endeavors.
