I give them examples of my experienes in the nursing field and I try to let them know that there are both rewarding funny and serious times ahd I tell them my stories but I also emphasize that you have to which is which and always use a professional approach and not to be afraid to make a mistake because thats how you learn .
I keep everything upbeat and explain how the course will work with the field they are studying. I give them a full overview of the course, content, grading, exams, quizzes, projects, etc. I show and tell basically - show them what they will be able to do at the end of the term and tell them how they are going to get there. I always keep it fun and lively - no one wants to be bored.
First we need to engage students; show them the importance of each and every class and how it will enhance their career. Now this is very easy when it is a core class, i.e. Neuro-Sensory Nursing Care, they are egar to learn as they know this is WHY they are going to school. However, we must also engage them in Psychology, Sociology, History and Math. This is not as easy as the Core classes. We must show them how they can use this information in the choosen career. We have to give them real life examples of how this info can be a valuable part of their field.
First of all I try to communicate to them often, the intensity of my desire to see each and everyone of them succeed, not only in my class, but in life. I try to approach the subject from as many creative points as possible, while still maintaing core instuctional value for them. Google is very helpful.
I like your approach. It's worth imitating - thanks for the reminder.
Hi John,
Super idea! I like your creativity to convey the concepts being taught to students. I am sure your students will thoroughly enjoy this exercise. I can tell you they will remember it because it is so different.
Patricia
Hi Brian,
I love "what if" scenarios. We as educators need to try to make things as real as we possibly can in the classroom. Students need as much practice as possible before entering into the workplace.
Patricia
Hi Richard,
Great variety to use to engage students. Variation is important in education. Students need variation so that they do not become bored.
Patricia
The student(s) must see that the instructor is very interested in the material that is being taught.
The instructor makes the lesson(s) become responsible for real to the students by sharing various experiences that are relevant to the material being discussed.
I also agree that the instructor has a great responsibility at the beginning of the course to explain the details of the course to the students.
To discuss the content of the course yields an opportunity for the Q & A for the both the students and instructor.
To motivate my students for the unknown of a term, I've told stories about the topic and how it will relate to their future in nursing. I address them everyday by saying " good morning my future nurses!" I find this really boost their confidence and they see themselves as nurses!
On the first day, I try to give examples of things that the course will be teaching that the students will use in everyday work life.
Debates, Videos, Personal experience (serious and funny), Field trips, Speakers.
If the course material lends itself, a whiz-bang demonstration usually serves to peak anticipation. You could also use video detailing an overview or projected result of the course.
Having guest speakers address the class enriches the course content and adds excitement to the classroom environment.
Showing students how the course fits into their career and explaining the importance of obtaining the course skills encourages the students to focus on the objectives so that they can be effective in the workplace. The subject matter becomes relevant when students see a direct connection to their career.
Currently, I am teaching a Windows XP course. The material comes from Microsoft Official Academic Curriculum and is tied directly to the Windows XP Certification Exam. The book is pretty dry and technically oriented.
During my lecture/discussion I bring in a lot of examples from my own experiences at home and in the workplace with Windows XP and tie it directly to the notes. We also do labs and several case studies where the "what if" scenario is employed.
Example: What if someone changed the IP address of the printer you set up for a department? How would you resolve the issue?
This gets them engaged and practices what they will be doing in the field.
Hi Charles,
Wow, real early! Your students should get great discpline about being at work early. I imagine you must be extremely energetic first thing in the morning to motivate your students.
Patricia
One of the things I have noticed is students like storys about previous experences that I have had in the automotive field. Today just starting the lesson, I thought the paper airplane was a great idea. However sice i am teaching automotive basic electricity I cam up with another idea. At the 99 cent story I found a little electric car that with a little modification I could use it to make electricity and teach 2 thing. one the principal of Magnetism with motor, generator principals and two how to use a volt meter. I will try this in 5 groups, I think it will be a good $5 experiment. I will let you know.
Voice flucuations have worked well for me in the past. Also a little levity helps keep my students awake. We start at 6.30 in the morning, so that is always a battle.
Hi Annette,
Students really do enjoy hearing about our experiences. I love sharing my experiences, but I try to make sure the experiences are applicable to the topic.
Patricia
I've found that the more excited I am about the topic, the more interested the students become. Also, relating personal stories, or real life events makes it more realistic to them.
