Instructors with work background besides teaching
Instructors with experience in the field they teach, make better instructors than those who do not have any work experience prior to teaching. Instructors with outside work experience allow students to learn more skills, and reinforce their abilities to achieve their goals. The instructor is able to become a role figure that has succeeded in finding a job using what he or she learned from similar classes. Students are practical, and goal oriented. When an instructor shares his or her work experiences with his or her class, this is a good motivation strategy.
I agree with this statement. I used to teach as a part-time evening instructor and was a Network Administrator by day. I always found that I was able to come to class and share my experiences for that day. A lot of the time things I did at work applied directly to the topic that we were covering.
Christina,
What a great experience base you bring to the classroom and lab. I am sure you have stories and experiences that fit every part of the curriculum you teach. By sharing these stories you are increasing the value of the content you are sharing. You didn't get where you are today by not observing, studying, interacting and problem solving. Your students need to learn from you that if they are going to be successful they need to have the self discipline to do the above as well.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I am an old OB nurse (30 years)I can relate some of the information to experience. This seems to help students understand the real life implications to what is being taught. Most people think OB nursing is a fun place and an easy place to work. Once students realize that I am taking care of two people (one still inside mother) and I have to look at what one is doing to the other they begin to understand the complexities of human anatomy. I love it when I see the light bulb go off in their heads.
Steve,
With all this experience I am sure you have a lot of strategies that you use to engage your students. What or one or two suggestions or strategies that you would share with other instructors that are just starting their teaching careers?
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
as a welder for 12 yrs an instructor for 24 yrs I know how to motivate them for what they can expect when they get out of school
That is something I like to focus on. It would be easy for me to cruise over the students heads, but I make it a point to not talk down to them either.
Sometimes I will just say "I don't know what you know or don't know, so we will start at the beginning to make sure we are all clear...."
I explain that even if I know a specific tool or procedure, if someone asks if I've ever done it before I still let them show me their way of doing it. Usually I will learn something else.
Joseph,
Instructors that bring passion for their field to class and then display enthusiasm for teaching about it generates interest and increases their motivation. This is a win win situation for everyone.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I think this is very important. Instructors with a background in what they teach are more passionate about the subject matter and can relate more with the topics to what they are doing in the real world. The students can see the expertise of the instructor and see more examples of the work that needs to be done.
I have found the experiences, both good and bad, I have had in all the different types of jobs over the years has made me a better instructor. I can tell interesting stories about job experiences to the students and it helps them recall learned information
Adam,
Talk about being able to make it real you are there with your situation. You train at your work as well as being on top of the latest developments and you take that knowledge to your career college students. I hope they appreciate how valuable it is to have someone like yourself as their instructor.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Being a Subject Matter Expert at my full time IT job, as well as a trainer there, has benefited me very well teaching at a career school. I can fine tune the material as to what is an accurate or "hot" topic and where the students can focus their learning as not to "waste their time" with learning rarely needed technology skills.
Jason,
Students as you know perk up when they hear stories from the field. I believe these stories increase the value of the content because they show both relevance and application to what is being taught. So keep telling the stories and helping make the content come alive.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I sometimes use my work experience as an offset from the book. Telling the students that even tough the book may say one thing, that it may not always be true when working for certain types of companies.
In some lines of work like mine books smarts are good to have but a book can't replace the knowledge you get on the job. having that experience is irreplaceable
Hi Michael. I completely agree with you. I also come from a backround as a massage therapist with 15 years in the field and 8 years teaching experience. I find that sharing stories about real clients and real situations helps students stay engaged and motivated. Our experiences when used in class appropriately to support learning are great ways to keep students motivated.
Michael,
Yes it does and you are bringing to the classroom and lab practical experience that is relevant and has application to the future of your students. This makes the content you are teaching come alive and increases the ROI of the course for the students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I work in a technical school for motorcycle mechanics. I feel having worked in the field for over 15 years gives me an advantage in being able to relate the tasks to actual hands on experience the student is going to see when he get's out there.
Mary,
This is a important for the students as they start to see that they will not be working in just one tiny area of their career. They will need to think on a global level and see the big picture of how what they are doing contributes to the success of all involved.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
This seems like a wonderful idea. This team approach will show that all teacher have the same game plan but a different strategy all end at the goal.
