Using Life Experiences in the Classroom
When I am teaching I am always going back to when I was in the feild. A lot for safty and short cuts.
Why is it important for adult learners to be able to use their life experiences in the classroom?
Not only is it a good ideal ,but it let the studets relate that you are a human also
Absolutely Allen!
I currently work in a trades school where so many of the students have very challenged backgrounds; therefore, the lact the personal value that leads to success. Even though they are making that first step by taking a trade, there is a lot of work that staff has to do to help them realize their true worth. AND - it is so gratifying to watch that happen.
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
I like it Dennis!
Not only are students able to share their experiences but they are able to build self-esteem and confidence in their knowledge and abilities.
GOOD JOB!
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
Hi Fay!
For students to learn most concepts, there has to be more than book learning. It helps with memory, retention, and assist students in the school to work transition.
Good work!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
It gives purpose and value to the things they have accomplished in their lives and gives a feeling of "can do".
Adult learners I think like to know that they are respected by this. I tend to use this in either class or lab setting. If another student is not understanding something and I may not be getting through. I will call on another student that has experience in that area or is doing well in that area to " shed his / her light" on the topic.
This is about 99.9% successful and at the same time I have just learned a new tact for explaining a difficult topic.
Most adult learners have been through the school of hard knocks, which means they have a lot of life experiences to share with those who have not. There is a lot to be learned from life experiences. It gives the adult learner a sense of being and accomplishment if they can add something to the classroom other than "book" knowledge.
I think it is key to use life experiences for adult learners because most often they have LOTS of things going on in their life that they can get distracted. It is nice to use life experiences to keep them focused on the end goal and the new career they will be successful at soon.
It is important for adult learners to be able to use their experiences in the classroom because students can learn from each other. Hearing from peers is an excellent way to reinforce information.
life experiences helps give the student an idea what to expect in the real world and some times thing dont always go as we would like i get student that ask what if i screw up? and i tell them you will screw up its what you do after you screw up that counts
using life lessons in a classroom setting can be very productive so long as it relates to the information being discussed
Sharing life experiences with the class gives the class content validity. Students questions are turned from "Why do we have to know this?" to "How can I get to know and apply this?"
Students with experience are terrifiec resources during class discussions, escpecially when discussing bad things happening to good people.
Hi Terrell!
Humans have to have a point of reference for learning to take place and using life experience is that point.
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
I like to use real life examples of the challenges that the field gave me, when in class, and the theories are starting to create less intrest, I bring in to the lecture a real life experience that the students can relate to even though they haven't experience this yet this bring excitement back to the info being introduced.
Hi Warren!
Using life experiences in the classroom helps to build a tighter bond with students. It opens the door to all avenues of conversation and discussion about relavent - and not so relavent -topics. Those less experienced students begin to grasp their roles not only in the classroom but in the workforce as well.
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
Sharing life experiences brings reality into the classroom. Textbook knowledge is essential but reality and relating to similar experiences has a much longer and more meaningful effect.
Life experiences allow learners to draw on areas which they understand very well. Due to the intimate nature of a learner's own experiences, and the ability to combine it with the subject matter at hand, tends to create a realism and personalization which makes the overall learning experience easier.
Experiential learning allows students to apply theories and concepts to the real world. I cannot begin to recount the times I have had students tell me they had been doing something for years and could now put a name on it. Stories allow learners to equate the classroom to the real world.
