Hi James,
This is certainly true with Generation Y. They are used to everything happening extremely quickly.
Patricia
I think if you are excited about what you are teaching it helps
I agree. Hands-on training is the most exciting for most students. They like to see the results of their efforts instantaneously.
I try to let my enthusiasm about the material show as much as possible. It may not make them "like" the subject, but most of the time, they will become involved regardless.
i am always excited to do hands on training or instruct while doing hands on activities..when they see how excited i am, i think it rubs off on them, a little bit, anyways..
First i feel body language is key to getting the students to be excited about a subject if the instructor doesnt have a good outward body language then the student can tell that the instructor doesn't feel motivated by the material.Also giving examples of situation where the knowledge learned in that course has helped the instructor can bring the students in and make them see your passion about the subject which will in turn give excitement to the students.
I try to use multimedia presentations to engage the students. Hands on work and put in my past experiences from being in the field. I sometimes use role playing techniques.
sharing my own excitement about course content, portraying a work like environment and sharing personazl experiences in the field of study
Make the material as interesting as possible, get the students involved in the material, initiate teamwork or group work, provide interesting examples, make it a positive learning environment so that the students look forward to class, use audio-visuals, hand-outs, and demonstration
Hi Glenn,
Students need to know that what they say really matters. Students like to and need to feel important.
Patricia
Hi,
This is Geraldine Haslett and this is one way that I get students excited about course content is that I asked them about visualizing where they are going to be as soon as they finish the program. (A role play maybe) Their minds explode as if they will be doing this or in charge of this particular. It's almost a real life situation,and they come back for more.
Thank You for asking me to share.
First, it is important to let every student know that what they have to say on any given topic is important. Then, within the dynamics of the group, I make every attempt to get everyone engaged. The topic of discussion leaves no neutral position; the student is either on one side or the other.
Hi Glenn,
What do you do to engage your students? I like talking about $$$$ every opportunity I get. I make it a point to talk about money on the first day.
Patricia
Thanks, I enjoy getting students to engage.
I have done that in the past, however, I like to engage students in short periods. I have found that you can engage most students if topics are interesting, and relate to careers.
I show them movies about what I am teaching.
Hi Glenn,
Great student involvment as well. I can certainly see how students get excited from this exercise.
Patricia
One method I have used is to engage students in a controversial question, then work to bring everyone into the exchange. Depending on the class dynamics, I may divide the group and have them present each side. I then explain how the subject matter will be further explored later in the class and how this may directly affect the student in the chosen career field.
Hi Frank,
Your great reputation is going to precede you! Students love having instructors who are edutainers. My teaching style is that of an edutainer, and students absolutely love coming to my classes.
Patricia
I try to get them to relate the content to their job goals and then plan a class activity that demonstrates interesting aspects of the course content. For me, this is not always easy and I would welcome suggestions.
