The Art of Teaching: Using Student Experience to Teach Concepts
Posted by anne.grey
Presenter: Martha Bailey (Philosophy and Religious Studies Faculty)
Students learn best when complex and abstract concepts are tied directly to their lived human experiences. Rather than relying solely on definitions, lectures, or rote memorization, instructors can honor student backgrounds by using concrete demonstrations, analogies, and student-generated examples. Grounding abstract ideas in familiar realities helps move learners past basic recall toward deeper understanding, critical analysis, and practical application. By building a supportive environment that values student agency and provides processing time, faculty across all disciplines can foster stronger engagement and long-term retention.
Presentation Outcomes
- Recognize the value of connecting new or abstract concepts to students’ familiar lived experiences.
- Apply active classroom demonstrations and analogies to make technical terminology clearer.
- Move instruction beyond basic memory recall toward higher levels of learning like application and analysis.
- Design opportunities for students to create their own tables, lists, and examples to build agency and understanding.
- Incorporate effective pacing, processing time, and multi-modal engagement strategies for both quiet and active classrooms.
Post generated by CTLE Web Designer Gem on 09/26/2026