a. Planning. Lack of complete planning can ruin any demonstration. You will
need to take these steps.
(1) Tools/equipment. Arrange tools and equipment in the order they will be
used. This is a time saver and will also be a double check against forgetting some
needed item.
(2) Student view/hear. Provide for viewing by every student in the class. If
noisy equipment is used, you should not try to talk while the equipment is operating. All
students must be able to hear your remarks.
(3) Lesson plan. Be certain to follow the procedural steps in your lesson
plan exactly. If you appear sloppy about the procedure, the students will get the idea
that they can shortcut the procedure. In the medical field, cutting corners can be
disastrous.
(4) Demonstration. Demonstrate one procedure at a time. If there is
another method, demonstrate this separately. When you complete a step, be sure the
students can recognize that the next step is not part of the preceding one.
b. Check Student Reactions Frequently. Be alert to the student reactions.
Students cannot be expected to perform well on procedures they have not seen and
understood.
(1) Unobstructed view. If you are using large or cumbersome equipment or
supplies, be sure all the students have an unobstructed view. Do not block off any part
with your body. If only a few students can get near enough for a good view, repeat the
procedure until the whole class has had a chance to see clearly.
(2) Student attention. Students' attention should be on the steps of
procedure whether you or an assistant are demonstrating. Tell them where to look.
When you are demonstrating, talk to the class, not to the equipment.
(3) Student questions. Student should be encouraged to ask questions
between each major step. Don't let them interrupt a step with questions. If they do not
ask, you should ask them questions to be sure they understand what they have seen.
(4) Small equipment. Sometimes you will need to use equipment that has
markings or adjustments too small to be seen well. A chart or model nearby, with
enlarged detail, will help student understanding. Be sure the students have a
performance checklist or at least a list of the steps being performed. This is a vital
memory aid. If the students are forced to make their own list, they may miss part of the
demonstration.
MD0560
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