Life experiences are for learning to learn from as well as to teach someone. I share my experiences so the students can see that I have been where they are I raised 2 children alone and worked and went to school. I let them share their experiences so they can see and feel proud of what they have accomplished at the same time making them want to learn more and to share with others their experience.
Teaching and encouraging the students to share life experiences can be very beneficial to the course. Sometimes the students can share information that is not related and you have to redirect the focus to the topic of discussion.
Student really enjoy when they can share life experience in the class room. This also solidifies some of the concepts we are learning. I have seen many "a-ha" moments when real life experience is used in the classroom.
I agree. As adults who have all experienced different events in life, we learn from many different avenues. Whether it is the instructor providing real-life examples of how to apply a topic being discussed, or students giving their own examples of experience...... sharing experience with other individuals allows all of us to learn even more from each other. It takes a concept from the textbook and brings it to life.
Alyssa
I not only use my life experiences which they really enjoy, but also guest speakers in fiels that share their experieneces as well. This brings any subject to life.
It is I believe the most valuable learning tool
relevence relevence relevence
because they take on a much more personal role in their career college course. they are now interacting, and as a SME, they are motivated to continue to learn even more.
Oftentimes, these life experiences by non-traditional students help to answer the one question that has been a proverbial staple in a math class ... "When are we ever going to be using THIS?" I have had instances where a student has come forward and explained a situation they used in the prior field of work to help assist with this question.
It is certainly beneficial for a general education instructor to have this, since we are not personally out there in the fields our career college students are pursuing. It helps validate the life experience of the student who answers, as well as shows the reasons for teaching the topic to the student who inquires.
each career student brings to the table a story. As the chef, I like to incoporate the ethnic and cultural diversity of each person who sits in the kitchen. The tradition of each of the students is a lesson in itself. We often discuss dishes or ingredients that are familar to some and peculiar to another.
Adult learners life experience brings reality to the classroom. Also adult learners sharing their life experiences makes them feel like they are contributing to the class in a special way.
I have found that adult learners are more engaged and responsive when they use their life experiences relative to course content. The ability to relate this way also helps adult learners to grasp the academic concepts and their application in their world, both personal and professional. This helps engagement and participation in the class.
They can see how far they've come and it helps them focus in their quest ,they realize that they can be succesfull
Sharing life experiences with my students provides a path to understanding the progress of how our experiences shape and mold our future.
Focusing on these life experiences and then asking for similar or related experiences from my student provides an opportunity for each of us to gain new perspectives on the situation, action, and outcomes in a variety of settings.
Connecting our experiences with our students is key to learning experience.
Best!
Nicholas
It adds to their level of motivation and gives them a sense of accomplishment.
I have a breadth and depth of knowledge in my field and use 'real life' experience to help students relate to what is going to be expected of them.
The vast majority appreciate the stories even when they do not appear relevant at the time.
I will later relate to the stories as examples of work experience.
Things which do not appear relevant can have major consequences later on
It's usually quite interesting what others have done, although I really didn't know how to react to the 22yr old former Airborn Ranger who carries 3 of the 4 bullets that forced him out of the service (4th is still in his back somewhere)
He carries them 'For Luck'
Pretty sure it would not have come up in a regular conversation or teaching environment, just came 'out of the blue' as something that happened and was pretty 'matter of fact' about it
It shows how everyone in the class has experiences they can share to help move the learning process forward.
Adult learners using their life experiences in a great tool in the classroom because they get to share what has happened to them it shows that it has relevance in what we are teacher. Also it shows the younger students that the things they are learning have real world application.
I am still in the field that I teach and I continually use my life experiences in the classroom. students like it.
By being able to use their own life experience allows them to feel connected to what's being said. I love the fact that i can use what I have experienced in my career so that they know how to better prepare themselves.
If you use their life experiences it helps them and other students connect the dots, and it engages them more.
It also gives you some feedback that they have experience that is related and can be used to further support the concepts you are covering in class.
Adult learners are pedal to the metal. They want to use their past experience to propel them towards their goals. Using their life experience is right up their alley.
