Michael,
Good points about how we all internalize the information and skills that were being offered to us. The more we can see relevance and application the greater the retention is going to be. Same for our students so we need to continually make it "real" for them.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
The course material refers transference and applying the theory students may have learned into knowledge they can actually use. This is the challenge of a career college instructor as many classes are theory based versus skills acquisition and application. Students are looking for both and when they are presented with both in the context of relevance to their program of study, they tend to be satisfied.
Specific ways content/delivery are relevant include minimal amounts of lecturing followed by a practical and applicable exercise or group project ensures students retain the most important elements. When we look back on our college experiences, those experiences that stand out ar those in which we applied what we learned. No matter how trivial it may have felt at the time, looking at the bigger picture, that one exercise fell in line with our career goals.
Adult learners need to be shown that they will receive immediate use of the information we as instructors are imparting. Reviewing is a great way to achieve this as it helps the student see they really have learned something and they can use it right now.
Michelle,
Application enhances relevancy. By giving them exposure to content and then having them apply that content you are making the connection for them between their course work and their career goals. They can see how they will be able to achieve their career goals if they are willing to put forth the effort required to acquire the knowledge and skills needed in the field.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
It is very important to show relevancy when teaching. One way is to show the "building blocks" of knowledge as I call it. The students appreciate the fact that what they are learning is necessary for the next class. My students thena are able to take what they have learned into the lab and apply it. This is the extremely imporatnt and the students are very enthusiastic about this part of being able to demonstrate to me the skills they have learned.
The most important topic related to this question that I will work to implement in my daily teaching is the concept of judicious review. Too often do I and other instructors fall into the habit of doing a massive review session, usually the day before a test. Should students even benefit by retaining the information so they perform well on the test, usually they do not have the opportunity for transference and application of course material and skills. Students never develop habits or transfer information to long-term memory when this "old-school" format for review sessions is depended upon by the instructor. Using judicious review will also assist with helping the students see the bigger picture about how the course material relates to their overall education and, even further, the career for which they are training.
Diane,
Good reminder for your students. When they are interviewing they are in the final stages of transitioning from being students to workers so they need to be prepared to respond as such. There are no "do overs" in a job interview.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Diane,
Anytime you can show relevancy and application you are helping the students connect the dots between course content and real life. A very important part of teaching and you are doing that with your instructional strategies.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Instructions give the students the rudimentary bases to understand and build upon the concept.
Exactly as with a keyboarding class and the students see how good keyboarding skills connect with their lives and their future.
For example if we are teaching a Keyboarding let the the students know when they go on interviews they might be tested and they will need to have a minimum speed and accuracy and it is good to have this skill and that the Internet and Texting diminishes these skills.
Always keep on top of the Business News;; Give students projects that relate to the Business world if you arer a Business Instructor
Carol,
You are making your content real through application. This is what good teaching is about. The students can see the relevancy to what you are showing them as building blocks in their career development.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I think that especially when you are teaching a practical subject, that is hands on, that you always ask they "why" of what you are doing. I teach an apparel patternmaking course, and when I teach a new technique, I always ask them why we are doing this. I follow up with how things fit the body, why you must make this allowance, or correction. I even ask them how do they think their own clothes fit and again, why? It helps them think about what they are doing in front of them in 2 dimension, and apply it to the 3 dimension skill that they are learning. How to fit the human body with clothing.
Yes the courses should be relevant, dymanic and entusiastic.
The use of experience, particularly in an environment in which the student is familiar. Relevance within the work environment in which the student learner wishes to have future success as a career. By this i mean that a facilitator can use his or her prooven experiences in the classroom as a methodology or strategy
Maikel,
Sounds like an enjoyable and most profitable class for your students. You are offering instruction in ways that engaged the students for the duration of each class.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I use various strategies in class, identify types of intelligence and position in the classroom, colors to use in assignments, music, practices, each one given time stop reading and ask questions, and so the class becomes dynamic, groups of balanced class work, among other
in my case there is a part of the class practice almost always meets the expectations of students in learning, such as injections, drawing blood, vital signs, sterilization, suture, among others, I have no specific strategies reliza unless a student requires
I like to use my own personal stories to show relevance to the course and what they may experience. The students get really engaged when I tell them about disasters, successes, and what this business is truly like.
