I also like to have the student 'teach' the lessons at times. I assign different subjects from the book or current news events to each student. Then we have a discussion about each topic.
Hi Gina,
Bringing in personal experiences in relation to the topic is always a good way to get their attention. This helps them to "connect the dots" between what they are learning and what they will be doing out in the field.
Gary
Hi Heather,
Welcome to teaching. I wish you the best in this your new career. Don't worry about running out of things to do with your students there are many resources out there for your use. Go to websites for elementary/secondary teachers. I'm not listing any certain ones because you will need to move around to find sites that have resources and ideas that will work for you. Take these ideas and translate them into adult versions and you will be good to go. Some of the best games I have were started on the elementary level and I adapted them for my use. Keep in mind that good teaching is good teaching no matter the level nor age of the students. So be creative in your approach to finding and using resources.
Gary
Hi Sheila,
I am sure this was a very vivid presentation of how the work world is going to be for them as shared by the graduate. I like to use speakers like this as well because it really helps to bring home why we operate as we do in our classes--we are getting them ready for successful employment. Sometimes they lose sight of that in their daily lives of being students.
Gary
Be on time, be excited to be in the class, be positive, use different teaching techniques where possible, use some humor in your class.
We discuss current topics in the news. It helps them realize that what they are learning really will matter.
I also get very excited when I show them a new tip or technique. I encourage open discussion and want the students to share tips with each other.
I teach Massage Therapy. I find that sharing my personal experiences in the field really get them motivated and excited about the program.
If I see students beginning to drift off, I always try to include a personal success story about myself, another Massage Therapist, or one of my previous graduates.
This tends to keep their attention and keep them motivated about the task at hand.
I think it is important for students to know you have a genuine interest in them and their learning. Very important for them to feel valued in your class.
I'm a new instructor and I know I have so much to learn, one of the reasons I'm so thankful for this course! I have found that my students really enjoy games! I have tried games from Jeopardy to Word Racer, and just last week I tried to turn my clinical review into a 10,000 dollar pyramid game. It was alot of fun and the students had a blast playing it while learning and getting more familiar with the terminology the whole time! I'd honestly love other ideas though. I'm only a few weeks in and I feel like I'm already running out!
We invite guest speakers who are graduates and have gained employement in the field. The guest speaker recently shared her experience of class as the rules were crazy and her thoughts on why do we have the rule no tatoos should be showing. She shared that yes the instructor taught her a lot but she also understands why rules are in place. If a student can not following dress code then how are they going to follow policies in the office.
I know my students respond better to a subject when they see how truly excited I get over it. I tell them stories and examples of things that have happened out in the field and get into the intricate details of why they must know this.
I agree. Its showing the studnets the end product. Once they realize what they could one day accomplish, they then start to appreicate why they are in class
It makes the students more engaged and prepared to ask questions. It also shows professionalism and dedication to the field of knowledge.
I have gotten feedback from students that love real life stories and those that don't. I think that it must always be student-focused, not instructor-focused. We must always relate our stories to theirs.
I totally agree.. I always find that talking about real life experiences that I have, starts a great interaction and discussion, and usually all of them are into it and interested.
I can always ask some of my friends who are very successful in the field that the students are studying in to come in and give a presentation, and talk about their experiences, and achievements. I would think that would motivate some of them..
i think it is important to focus on the end goal, that being the award of their degree. That should be the motivating factor in completing course work.
Hi Mark,
What a great background you have both educationally and through experience. I know you bring to the classroom an attitude and excitement that helps convey to the students how much you like your field and what you are willing to share with your students. Keep up your great work!
Gary
Apply what they are learning to their every-day career..for example, explore a patient's diet and what they may be missing if inflamed and edematous tissue is seen..why could their diet be exacerbating this condition? Relay what they are learning into their clinic experiences.
I first give the class a history of the subject and its origins and then draw from real life experiences. Then I will ask the class to give me any examples they may have, and this gets them to interact with each other and engage in conversation which in turns brings some excitement to the class room and eases the stress.
