Relevance
I like the emphasis on relevance. Students have so many choices on where to devote their time and attention that they will naturally disengage from learning that they don't think is relevant. A teacher who strives to make lessons relevant is naturally approaching their teaching in a student centered way. When you consider how something could be relevant to students, you must have an understanding of who your students are and why they're in class.
Beatrice,
I am a big fan of service learning as well. I think this learning approach helps students to use what they have been learning along with seeing if they really enjoy being in that career field and if they want to continue their education efforts.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Service learning is for the students an excellent idea to motivate, and to show the applicantion and the course relevancy.
Richard,
These two methods are great ways to get students engaged in the learning process. Students like to use their life experiences as well as hear about the life experiences of their instructor and to become involved via hands on with what is being taught.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I try to show my students relevance through my life experiences, (successes' and mistakes). I also like to use hands on in the lab to show the relevance of what the are learning in the book.
Jeff,
By having this understanding the students will have an easier transition to employment because they know they have the skills and knowledge to be successful. This helps in building their self confidence.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
This helps with real world situations so they undestand what they learn is whats happening in this industry
Shelia,
This is so true based upon my experience. The challenging students think because they have paid tuition they have "bought" an A. A real shock when they find out that this is not the case. They have to work hard and earn their grade just like all the other students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Michael,
You have a real in with your students as a result of the subject you teach. I am sure your students start seeing early on in the course the value associated with what is being taught and they skills they are developing.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Greg,
This is why relevance and application is so important in the teaching process. The more of these two elements they can see and use the more value they will associate with the course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I agree. Students often mention the cost of their education, however, it's usually the ones who are troublemakers. The ones who really know the value of a good education are usually very attentive, and too busy to remind the instructor that he or she is paying a lot for the class.
Response to relevance varies due to the number of different programs/paths of study reflected in my classes. As I teach computer courses, though, it's easy to point out how pervasive computer skills have become in every line of work. This pervasiveness helps me to keep the students focused on the point of the topics presented.
Students need to feel that they are getting their money's worth out of your class. They know that it is expensive but if they learn something, then it was worth it.
Stephen,
You are right about students that help/teach others have a higher rate of retention of the content. There is an old saying that reinforces your point and it is "to teach is to learn twice, one as a student and again as the teacher". I think this is so true so student presentations and demonstrations can be valuable learning tools for us to use.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Having relevance works both way as an instructor. The reason why your students are taking the class; unemployed, looking to gain a better career, in other words why are they taking the class. Then a person can see the reasoning behind the student. The same can be said for the instructor to student. Giving practical reasoning behind a topic or step can help the student learn a hard class. I have heard that if a person learns to teach another, they get better results rather than trying to memorize in order to pass a test.
Tania,
I agree and share your feelings about having guest speakers come in an share about their field. As instructors we serve some what like parents in that we tell them things about the field because we are suppose to but they often don't hear us because we are teachers. When someone from the field says the same thing they go "wow that is great information and we are glad you shared it with us." Same message different messenger.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I also will bring people in from the industry to talk about their personal experiences and how it is relevant. Sometimes this is more effective then them hearing it from me time and time again.
Stephen,
Good way to keep the students as the center of the learning process.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I also think that not teaching the same class over and over, but teaching differnt classes makes sense. This way your lessons can reflect on what they have learned and what they will learn in the next class.
Shelia,
Thank you for the kind words. I wish you much teaching success and that your students appreciate the effort you are making to help them move closer to their career goals.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
