Hi Joe,
Whenever students can make the conection of what they are learning to the real world, they typically get really excited. Connection is an understanding moment for our students.
Patricia
Hi Charles,
Students need and want us to make the learning process as real as possible. Every opportunity you get to make it realistic, do it.
Patricia
I am fortunate enough to teach subjects in fields I have worked in both in academics and private practice for my entire professional life. In this way, it is easy for my to share my enthusiasm for the topic, and I feel that gets students interested in learning the topics as well.
Hi James,
IT folks get great satisfaction by learning from their mistakes. It appears that if you learn by trial and error, you tend not to forget how something is done.
Patricia
Provide students with real business world examples of information, materials, and/or topics covered in the course. When possible use personal experience to demonstrate relevancy.
Hi B.,
This is a sure way to get them excited. Also if you can find some current events applicable to the course or subject matter this will get them excited. Make sure you act excited about the course on Monday as well.
Patricia
I believe trying to get the student to realize that the course can be useful to them in the future and critical to their success in the industry is key. One of the classes that I teach is basic Nutrition course. I often try to construct a daily nutrional question to them as if they were cooking for a "client" or "customer". This helps them make the connection and hopefully find value in the course material.
Well, I haven't taught my class yet. Monday will be my 1st day. I did, however, have a few things in mind. I would like to ask them why they have chosen this field and how/where do they see themselves once they graduate. I hope that this makes them visualize the goal they have set out to complete and motivates them for my course.
I like using examples at the start of class of situations that I was personally involved. Being in the IT field, IT folks learn by their mistakes. It lightens subject matter and spurs discussions when you can present a real problem and sometime being a little self-deprecating when I make an obvious mistake.
Hi Rosetta,
Students do get excited knowing that the instructor geniunely cares. Even as a child field trips generated excitement, and they still do today.
Patricia
Hi Sonny,
Real life situations are the best to get students excited. I like the idea of dressing the part and simulating. I also bring in guest speakers as much as possible so that students can pick their brains.
Patricia
The methods I used are real life situations. One student talked about their real life experiences when we were studying banking. They actually dressed the part and performed a simulation in their field. I have also place students in group situations to socialize and brainstorms ideas and share things about the subject they are learning. This enhances the learning process and makes them relate to real life situations.
*Informing students of diversity of exciting activities planned for the course.
*Have names of guest speakers to give students
who will be coming to class.
*Inform students about field trip activities
*Have all of this information planned out in advance.
*Let students know and see the course will be an exciting learning expeience.
*Be genuine intersted in the students.
Hi Joel,
I like the excitement and curiosity you generate in your students. They must come back the next day for Part II.
Patricia
Hi James,
Students really do get excited when instructors can share real world experiences. Experience is the best teacher.
Patricia
I can share some of my real world experiences where a project was accomplished and product made. The excitement of being a part of a team and obtaining a goal.
Hi John,
As educators, we must brainstorm as much as possible to make our lectures entertaining. Students do not like being bored. Google is a great place to get fun activities that are applicable to particular lessons.
Patricia
I always end each class by recapping the days lesson and materials covered. After that i also give them a teaser of the next days lesson, just enough information to peak there interest.
I think it is important to show your enthusisasmm for the content. I also find it is helpful to apply it to a sitiuation that will relate directly to the student.
A teacher's job should always be to ask themselves, "how can I make this lesson less boring?" because some lessons are inherently dry, and it helps the teacher lesson plan for various multiple intelligences.
