I love making it real. In an Intro to Psychology course for instance, if I am teaching about sensation and perception, the biology of the eye can be a bit dull. I use color blind testing materials, blind spot exercises, etc. When we get to the section on chemical senses I like to have them hold their noses closed and give them a strawberry candy. While they are holding their noses I have them describe the taste. It's usually 'sweet'. Then I have them release their fingers from squeezing their noses closed and there are always audible gasps when they 'tast' the strawberry. I like to get them involved in the reality of what they are learning as much as possible.
Making the course real to my students is very helpful. They get a senesce of “ what is in it form them “ and how they can directly befit from this course.
I give them a preview of what we'll be discussing throughout the term, so they will have something to look forward to. I also bring up relevant news from the week so they can see that what we're discussing is not just in the past, but still applies today.
I teach in a trade school and like to appeal to the psychology that makes me want to work in my field. It can be nerdy, but there are so many cool things that our software does that it sort of sells itself. What does help, though, is to simplify how they reference it in their minds. Some concepts are more abstract and tethering them to ideas that the students have already absorbed and become comfortable with makes learning new things not only easier, but burns it deeper in their minds. I think any devices we can use to reinforce new concepts are great, there's a lot of information out there to learn.
Hi Lynne,
I like the idea of showing students the big picture initially, but letting them know that you will take baby steps to get them to that point. This method really gives the students something to work toward.
Patricia Scales
I demonstrate what the students will learn to do by the end of the course. I tell them they will get the information in small increments and build upon them.
Lynne,
Students love it and retain more when they receive smaller pieces of information broken down.
Patricia Scales
I demonstrate one skill that they will be able to do and explain that we will break it down into small bits of information. I also explain the relevancy of this skill.
I enjoy having past successful board certified students come in to speak to the current students. I also enjoy having the Regional Managers of community pharmacies come in as well as their pharmacist, to allow the students to get straight from the employers mouth what they are looking for.
Hi Brenda,
Students love action, and they really and truly become excited/motivated.
Patricia Scales
Hi Shellonda,
What an awesome mixture to mix fun with learning. Students love having fun while learning.
Patricia Scales
Hi Laura,
I can tell you do your due diligence to promote excitement and interest in your students. Students understand the relevance of the course when they are told how it applies to their field.
Patricia Scales
Hi Kathy,
Students love hearing our personal stories as they apply to the course content.
Patricia Scales
In Cosmetology, seeing it in action will get them excited alone! So walking through the salon floor while it's busy, setting the tone in which they will be working in soon. Also sharing stories and experiences will lure them in as well.
I use power point, personal experiences, and involving the students with participation in lectures
I have made a jepordy board to keep class excited even if its a drier subject. It keeps the fun in it, and I've noticed they stay more engaged in class now.
This one can be challenging at times since not all courses each student relates to well. I work to stay focused on how this course will strengthen their skill sets to be top of their field upon graduation. I also keep in mind specifics about the student and work to relate the topic ahead to their interests. Bringing a dry topic alive can be challenging so I work to stay connected to the purpose of attending school and the students interests.
Hi Sandy,
Students love it when they can perform hands-on activities. Learning sticks whenever students are allowed to perform.
Patricia Scales
Hi Mary,
Students gain a different level of interest once they understand what they are learning will be utilized in their career.
Patricia Scales
I use a very hands-on approach, having them use the software and equipment I am teaching them beginning early in the course so that they can reap the rewards of their work and begin to develop a professional portfolio rather than having them solely listen to me lecturing.
