Making the courses relevant is important in all types of education, not just career education. I have taught high school, traditional college, and career college. In each instance, students need to know how each course is related to their futures. If they don't see the connection, they will have decreased motivation. Some students will do well simply because they have motivation to earn high grades. However, some students aren't motivated by grades, so they give up on courses that seem irrelevant. Students wouldn't be in school unless they wanted to improve their lives. If spending a few minutes explaining the relevancy of course materials will help them pursue their goals, faculty should be willing and able to take that extra step.
Seeing the relevancy and application for what they are learning allows the students to grasp at why they are doing what they do. It allows the student to see the outcome of his or her efforts and keeps them striving towards course and degree completion so they may make a difference in their field.
The instructor can greatly motivate his or her students by showing how the course material is relavent to the students' career goals and interests. When the instructor can not only show relevancy to the students but also how to apply the instruction this may well become a "aha" moment. When that happens the students will give even mor attention and may well remember that concept in application much longer than any other concept that the student does not see (now) how he or she could ever use!
I believe that it reinforces why they are going back to school. If they do not see any relevence they will doubt their decision and lose commitment and dedication.
Hi Brian,
I like this approach. This really expands the knowledge base of the students because they can see through the demonstration exactly how the sauces are connected through technique and history.
Gary
As an example: I teach a culinary class that demonstrates sauce work and the techniques in which it is made. As I demonstrate the classical french technique of making the specific sauce I also use the same technique in a more modern sauce. This shows not only the method in the classical sense but also gives an example of how the technique is used in modern times.
I believe that the combination of relavancy and application IS the motivation in learning, especially at a Career College. I reinforce how students can and will apply the skills/knowledge they learn and practice in class daily.
I teach Speech at a culinary school, so talking and writing about food in vivid language is at the top of our list in individual speech and group presentations.
Students get very excited about practicing the skills they will use as chefs.
It's important to motivate students because when you do you help them want to improve. You make them want to learn and do their best.
If you do not motivate them, apply what they are learning how will they create that portfolio? How will they get that job that they are looking for?
Its really about getting that a-ha moment the one where they realize this is what they want to do. Talking about salaries money and career paths I find is an excellent motivator. Instead of seeing something unattainable. I also try to find people in my industry to come and talk to them. This always gets them excited.
In the personal training field, I try and relate many things that we talk about to real life application. On top of instructing, I also personally train on the side so I am able to relate some information to my students. They no longer see what I am talking about as, 'Oh we just need to know that for a test.' When they hear my stories and the relevance of our lectures with that, its almost like a kick in the pants telling the class that there is a rhyme and a reason for everything.
Hi Greta,
Good point. Simple short word but essential in the instructional process. The students need to know the "why" of their learning process.
Gary
Applying the "why" factor to instruction can be very helpful. Students remember things better if you explain the reason behind why you are doing things a certain way.
It gives them confidence that what they already have expereinced and learned will have application to their future endeavors - at work and at home.
I ask the students how specific models developed in the strategic management class can be applied to their current (or previous) jobs.
Allowing a student to see or use a practical application of what they are learning makes a connection between theory and practice. It helps to "cement" the information and sometimes, it helps bring it into focus.
With adult learners and in particular with students enrolled in a technical or career college, students are more goal focused. They need to see how what they are learning can be applied to the careers for which they are preparing. If they perceive the material to be irrelevant or without real-world application, then a barrier to learning is established. When an instructor illustrates how the concept is applied or why it is important, that barrier is eliminated. It is replaced with the first step to achieving the "ah ha" moment--it allows the student to make the commitment "I need to learn this because . . ."
This is always a point to consider. This has made me re-evaluate some of my homework and other assignments. I realize more than ever that the assignment link to the career goal must be expressly stated.
Hi Michael,
You make a very good point that is sometimes missed by students. The courses you are teaching are designed to educate them to the point they can become professionals in their field. Thus, you are asking of them the same requirements as those of the field. They need to see what you are doing in the class sets them up for success in the future.
My students sometimes complain about this so I bring in graduates to explain to the students how the training they are receiving is directly related to their career requirements.
Gary
I state at the begining of each class that I am not training them to be students but Professionals in their chosen field, and that all of their hands on work will be just like what will be required of them in their job.
Hi Jennifer,
Good way to show application and relevancy to your students. These two words are key to their success. If they can see application of content and skill to the relevancy to what they are doing then the connection between the classroom and the real world is being made.
Gary
It is like hanging a hook on the wall on which the student can hang their coat. When I explain to a Medical Assistant why they need to know medical coding, this reinforces their dream of working as an MA and gives them movivation to not only get through the class but finish their schooling. When students know that every time they draw blood, they will have to mark the code on the electronic medical record, the student has a reason to learn to use codes.
