It is important for adult learners to be able to use their life experiences in the classroom because it not only gives them a basis for future success, but past experience can be applied to content presented in the classroom.
Ronald,
the life experiences are a great tool & I think also helps the students so when they face a new situation, they can identify it with one of those experiences that have been shared & it will seem more familiar.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I think using life experiences in the classroom is important because if helps the students to see how the concepts apply to their individual situation. My feeling is that if a student can apply or identify the concepts from class in their own life experiences, then the student can identify the same concepts on a test, in the workplace, etc.
Once the student can do the above I have assurance they have mastered the material. In addition every now and again, I also get the added bonus of learning something new myself!
Sometimes when I introduce certain new material in class, I draw upon my own experience and can give a concrete example of the concept I am trying to convey. At times I am able to add a little humor and it's surprising to see how many students were able to answer a question correctly on a test because they remembered, " the funny little story"!
Theresa,
and this really helps with the "far transfer" of some of the concepts we are teaching as they see how they really come into play.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Adam,
this is exactly the case & a great reason to allow them to share those experiences. These can also help all class members learn from each other which should be one of our goals.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Life experiences are important in the classroom. Being able to give examples of situations that students experienced can help other students understand information. I also try to give some example of what could occur in the "real world".
I believe having adult learners share their life experiences helps them and their peers make meaningful connections between the content that I am lecturing on and their lives. From my experience, when adult learners share their experiences they are more attentive and engaged in class. It validates that they are critical to the learning process.
Curtis,
and I've found that these illustrations can be great "triggers" for the class as they are reviewing & even taking the tests.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
It brings more relevancy to the content and brings the class together as part of the learning.
It would inform the students of what to be exspected of them. I use it as a learning tool to help me understand my students more. They often enjoy the story I have to tell.
Students consistently light up and pay attention when I tell real life experiences in my field.
I agree. It is great to use life experiences, it shows the relevance of the concepts you are teaching. It also helps students retain information and gives them a chance to associate themselves with the material.
Adult learners come to the classroom with vast life experiences. They need to feel and see that their previous experience enhances their and other students education by bringing in real life scenarios into the classroom.
dawanna,
this is a good point, those real life experiences examples are great illustrators of points & excellent teaching tools.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
You can make-up some of the stories I hear, even with the most vivid imagination. It adds life to the classroom.
I find if adult learners can use their life experience in the classroom then the content becomes relavent. For example, I like to use havign children as an example when working a station in the restaurant. Do you walk away from the baby and leave it unattended? Do you leave it a mess? Do you forget to take care of it? No? Then give your station the same care and you will be successful!
I use my real life experiences in the classroom to illustrate why the content is relevant. By allowing student to share their experiences as well validates some of the points I am trying to get accross.
I have been in healthcare since 1974, starting in the Dietary Dept., then on to a Nursing Assistant, L.P.N., getting involved in Staff Education for all Disciplines and currently pursuing my RN degree. These experiences have equipped me with many real life examples for every class I have taught. Students have often told me they "remember" because of one of my stories.
Nicole,
and this also helps validate the varied & rich life experiences that these learners have had in their lives & helps them to be more open to the learning.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
