How do you get students excited about general education classes?
I teach in a culinary school,however degree candidates are required to take general education classes such as psychology, math, and history,etc. Often students have a narrow focus and feel that these core classes are not related to their desire to be chefs and restaurant owners.How, can a gen ed teacher deal with this prevalent view. I try to draw relationships between my psychology class and the managing people in any industry. This doesn't always work. Any suggestions?
I think Dr. Meers' answer is important. I also teach general education in professional school and I think my biggest challenge is figuring out how to help my students to see how what I am teaching will be relevant to them in the future. That is part of understanding human nature, and managing people, as Dr. M says.
Ashley,
and I think it's important to point out to our students that in their careers they are not exclusively doing that work. They will probably write reports or something like that throughout their careers. And how much better that they feel prepared to do this.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I will need to keep this in mind for my students. We are a science-based field, but even in science, students are required to write papers and be legible in grammar and spelling. I have also noticed that students seem more fulfilled when they are well rounded than when they are completely immersed in their area of study.
Kathy,
this is a great reminder for all of us. I'm a big believer in the well-rounded individual so this is helpful to me as well.
Dr. Ryan Meers
One of the ways I make our "gen Ed" classes more palatable to new students is to point out that one of the things these classes do is help them refocus on the world "outside" their chosen field. Balance is SO key to success that it makes perfect sense to maintain balance (or begin to maintain balance) DURING school. If they are totally immersed in ONLY their field, they forget how to use the rest of themselves - and often wind up burned out and miserable. My reminder: There are 168 hours in a week. Even the most demanding career will use only half. How will you use the rest to rejuvenate and replenish yourself???
Bret,
this is definitely a challenge. I think the observations about managing people, understanding human nature, even using this knowledge to know how to best plan dishes, menus, etc that are pleasing to people is a way to make the point.
Dr. Ryan Meers
