Show students how what they are learning matters in real life. This is one of the most effective motivation techniques, especially for older students, as it lends meaning and purpose to their hard work. Guide them to discuss the new material, and allow students to draw on their own experiences to enrich and comprehend the new material.
A. Wilson
Hi Debra,
As instructors we should make it a point to make learning apply to the real world. YouTube is a great source to show real-life examples.
Patricia Scales
That's just it. What are some of those ways? I, of course, have a passion for the subject matter and that shows. I emphasize how philosophy challenges our ways of thinking and our assumptions. Some get it, but overall the buy-in is low. We live in a very pragmatic world that has little regard for subjects like philosophy. That is even more the case in a vocational school where students are there as a means to a career.
Well my coarse is Motion Graphics and most students taking my class are hoping to enter the Motion Graphics field...none the less I show them examples of what past students have done and what are current trends in the industry. I compare what past students have done with professionals and they seem 99% of the time ready to go after that . Seeing how close past students results look "industry ready" students feel like they can do it themselves and gain courage.
I think it is absolutely vital for instructors to correlate the material being covered in class with real life practice.
As a student I often would ask myself "when am I ever going to use this in real life?" This is especially true for adult learners who more often than not have a lot of responsibilities outside of the classroom.
The best way I can incorporate this is by giving examples of how knowing this information helped me perform my job (as a registered veterinary technician) and how knowing that information truly set me aside from the rest of my coworkers that didn't know that information.
Another way of doing this could be videos, if available of the examples.
Hi Thomas,
Great points! I also let the students know how the course will benefit them in their career.
Patricia Scales
Syllabus review. What is expected of them.
Examples of good work vs. poor work
get entire class engaged socially.
enhance lectures i:e:Visuals role play etc.
Hi Michael,
I make it known to my students on Day 1 how the course can benefit them in their career.
Patricia Scales
I think you said this early on in the course that you are the subject matter expert and sharing with your students how you have used this material in your professional career is very important.
Relating my experience in the field seems to spark more interest in learning coarse material. I teach a "beginner class" for many students who are changing careers and seem to already have a grasp of what the "real is world" can be about!
Hi Donna,
Awesome! Field trips bring textbook theory to real life. Students love going on field trips and relating the field trip to things they have learned in class.
Patricia Scales
Hi Dena,
Students love for us to make learning applicable to the real world. It is amazing that students retain more when they have fun while learning.
Patricia Scales
I like to bring my students on field trips so they can see how an office is set up and everyone has their job to do. It is much better than just showing them on paper.
I also like having someone in the field come speak to them so they can ask them questions directly and see how the answers I give them are they same as the real life worker.
I believe if I let my students know how important the course I am teaching will directly deal with their job, they start to understand a little better what I am saying and the worksheets or other handouts I give them do not seem so bad afterwards.
In my class I relate certain personal knowledge and experience to my students and try to explain to them what to expect in the real world after they have completed the course. If they don't understand a certain term, I try to pull from my head a way for them to remember it and relate it to what the term means. Sometimes, it's a funny thing that I relate it to but they don't forget it.
Demonstrating course concepts usage in the work environment
I like to illustrate real world examples of how I have used the material in the time I spent practicing in the health care field. I also like to bring in guest speakers relevant to the topic a hand and occasionally take field trips to show the students how they will be working out in the field.
Hi Stephanie,
Guest speakers are priceless. They help bring book theory into real life.
Patricia Scales
For most, examples from the profession would be ideal. As a counseling professional, I believe examples will need to be given, but most will be hypothetical to protect confidentiality. A scenario without names and other defining details can still lead to an assumption that you are speaking of a particular person. In this case, I would use examples that were created and not from actual experience. I also believe guest speakers are useful.
Hi Mary, I completely agree with you. It is imperative to provide real world application to the content material. Students develop a stronger skills when they (the students) are able to make connections to the real world.
I am quite intrigued by your ability to bring in assignments completed by graduates. Once you share the projects with the students are they inclined to attempt in developing a project of teir own for the course?
