how to keep students willing to learn
always have two plans for each week.
Hi Victoria,
If we were taliking about a starving people and the use of scarce food supply, we could make an analogy to your point, that every component and time we spend is extemely valuable and should contribute the eventual successfulness in school.
Barry Westling
I agree that students need updates of how thier learning is applied in the real-world field. I believe however that it should be involved in every aspect of what they are learning. It makes them realize the importance of the material and keeps them involved because it connects thier struggle in the classroom to thier potential success in the work force.
Students in my class are updated with new technology in our field frequently. What is happening in the real world is applied and cross-referenced to text book material. They can understand how technology plays an important role in our field and that advancement of technology is essential.
I think it is becoming more of a constant battle these days to incorporate some sort of entertainment- which ties into their motivation to sit in the class and continue their course of study. Adding updates, John, is a great idea and I think that adds relevance and emphasizes that the fields are dynamic. What was relevant when you graduated years ago may not necessarily be so relevant today for new grads.
I teach in the automotive repair field. The students who come to our school loves to allways have the most updated information on the cars we have today. So anytime I can I will give a short (15 minutes) information update of what is going on in the field today. I dont want this time to take over the class time, but just a little something to keep them instrested.
