I also am a story teller when I instruct. I teach medical billing coding, and when I have a chance I tell about events that parallel the instruction. The students do like it because it helps them see the content in which a particular subject is applied.
Before I start a topic, I normally ask my students what they already know about the topic, what do they expect to know and how important and how they can make use of the information and knowledge they gain in the performance of their profession and to their day-to-day life.
How can I better my current strategy? Please provide feedback.
Heather,
Students as you know really like stories from the field. These stories reinforce the content and help the students make application of the content in a way that increases the value of the material.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I also share real life experiences with students and ask them to do the same as we share and discuss the applicability of classroom content to the work setting.
I also share my real world experiences regarding the lecture material. Many of my students already have some work experience in the field, so I frequency ask their opinion on the relevance of what we are studying.
Strategies I implement to make the course content relevant is showing the students videos of surgical procedures so they can relate the skills we are learning in class to skills they are seeing used in the OR.
The main strategy I try to implement to relate to the students learning needs is to assimilate current events. By bringing current events into the instruction, you can demonstrate the relevance your course content.
Michael,
I have learned that stories from the field help to reinforce what is being taught as well as increase the value of the content to the students. So keep sharing these stories and helping your students see both the application and relevance of what is being taught.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Judith,
Instructors like change of pace and variety in their instructional delivery. As you can see from the comments this is how instructors are offering instruction throughout the country. By following these best practices you are going to be in good shape with your own instruction delivery.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I'm somewhat a "story teller" when I lecture. In order to help my students understand the importance of the lecture topic, I would talk about my personal work experience that is relevant to the topic. Or,I would think of some aspect of their lives that we all can relate to as well. Helping students make the "connections" usually give them a deeper understanding of the lecture and hopefully help them recall the information.
In reading through the feedback, I can see there are many different approaches in implementing relevant course content primarily designed around the type of class you are instructing. Whether it is through demonstrations, field trips, case studies or brainstorming, all are good ideas.
Christina,
Students love props as you have learned. My students get excited when I bring in something from the field and let them see, touch and interact with the object(s). These are what I call "connectors", that is they connect the content with the minds of the students via their tactile senses. Since you teach such an interesting area of nursing I know your students really enjoy the classes where you bring in the tools that they can handle and learn about.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Because I teach OB nursing I bring in many tools that are used in the OB setting. I also show many video's to help the students understand what they might see in the clinical setting and also what I hope they do not see. (as students) For most of my students they will not be in the OB setting after graduation they want ICU ER and a few want Med/Surg. Many of the props that I bring into the classroom the students can play with and they get a sense of what nurses and doctors use them for. Most of them like that I bring in a vacuum extractor I encourage them to place it on their arm or thigh and then apply the suction. They then can see why it is only allowed to be used 3 time because of the force the suction places on the baby's head and why we then need to be careful of that baby's head. The more props that I bring in the better understanding students have.
Joseph,
I do to. I use case studies and role playing a lot in my courses to help my students make application of the content being shared. The more this can be done the greater the retention of content there is going to be.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Joseph,
Like the way you bring value to what you are teaching by helping your students to make a connection to the application of the skills they are developing in the course. This is what the ROI will be for them and helping them realize this is important if you are to keep them engaged.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Role playing or having students act out skits is a great way to make them more aware of content. I like doing these activities to break down difficult and challenging readings.
I teach writing studies, and often when I'm trying to get students to engage with difficult academic texts, I show students ways to connect their lives to the content to make viable connections. Getting students to read above their register is not easy, but I find that if there are ways to connect the difficult of challenging text back to their lives, students will be more interested.
Dominick,
Right you are about the value of brainstorming and the development of critical thinking skills.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Brainstorming is a great way to develop new ideas and to implement relevant course content.
I try different approches depending on the students. I have used projects that are presented in class, power points and in class work.
