Many of us that teach at the career college level either work in the area that we instruct, or have retired from the corporate world. We get into teaching because we like to interface with people and perhaps can provide that next level of real world experience to our students. I have traveled to 38 countries and developed business for corporations in each of them. I use experiences from those travels to engage students to think “what could be†for them. I believe in the classrooms today we have student that want a great education (Work Hard) and those that want to just ride along. (Just like the Real World) As in life, people learn in different ways so does the mixture of students in our classes. We as instructors have to find that blend of teaching methods that will create interest for the students, so that they want to learn more and get them to the next level. - Buy In.
I cannot agree with the 'they all know nothing' issue. If Iteach at that level the students who do know something are soon bored and distracted.
When I teach a a slightly higher level, I can soon see those with the headlight in the eyes look. These I single out for more one-on-one class time.
I must insure I reach all of my students without boring them to tears.
I agree, I reference the real world in every lesson I teach. I teach various levels of computer applications and we as teachers know how important that is in the real world.
In school we have a computer that doesn't work, it takes a day or two to get it fixed. I explain to my students that in the real world it is a replace now, and fix it on your own time!
Hi Dennis,
What a thorough overview on Day 1. Students like for us to make our lessons applicable to the real world.
Patricia
I cover the course prospectus on the first day of class. Then tell the students that the prospectus is the road map to successful completion of the course. We then discuss the learning objectives and how those objectives apply to real life application. Next, I go around the class asking each student what is their expectations are for the class.
Hi Michael,
Students want to know how the course will apply to their career. We should help our students keep their eyes on the prize by making course work applicable to the real world. When students see that something has a meaning, they are normally sold.
Patricia
I think it's very important to help students realize what impact the course will have on their eventual career. I try to relate every day circumstances in which the course material will become valuable to them.
I teach college level Accounting.I bring in specific examples of accounting jobs and corresponding pay rates.
For example in Payroll Accounting, I will mention the need and the average salary for a Payroll Accountants...this tends to get the students buy in.
Hi Randall,
I like how you make mention of higher income and job security. Who wouldn't want these two things. This is definitely an attention getter.
Patricia
At the begining of each course I ask the students how many of them are going to choose this as their area of specialty and i generally get one or one and a half hands go up. I then tell them this is exactly why you should choose this area as your specialty because everyone else is afraid of this area so it makes those that are willing to do it be in very high demand, which means for them higher pay and greater job security. I then give them specific illustrations of how this applies to them and how truly easy this area of specialty is.
I start by giving all of my students a pdf copy of the class syllabus which is updated by my school and adaptable by myself for the students needs.
I teach a Intro to Computers class for students who are headed into a medical field career. I explain how my thirty years of business work has evolved in the use of computers for everyday work, and relate this to the technology available in the workplace they will soon find themselves.
I explain that during an interview I was asked if I knew anything about Microsoft Office. I said I did and then they wanted to know which applications.
Computer applications are so woven into our daily activities that the material you will learn in my class will enable you to keep up with those workers already on the job and the learnig curve to get up to speed will be tremendously less of an undertaking.
After the first day in class students e-mail me and state they look forward to my class and can;t wait for the next session.
Hi Janet,
Great practices used to sell the course. Students automatically perk up when you tell them something will look very impressive on their resume.
Patricia
I always point out the value of certain areas, whether it will be something they can put on their resume to fluff it up or to identify jobs seeking a software or skill. When going thru nitty gritty details for things like contracts, I comment about the fun of it all, the value in the marketplace, fitting in with colleagues in the work place -- It seems to make them happy, I get comforting feedback.
In order to get buy-in from a student, the course has to be relevant. Answering "What's in it for me?" is key in order to keep students interested and wanting to learn. When demonstrating a concept or idea in class, I hook in things they see and experience on a daily basis, such as driving, gas prices, etc. I also acknowledge the struggles of coming to class after working all day long and let them know that I can relate since that is where I have been also. Finally, I let them know that in the end, it will all be worth it because they will look back on their degree with pride and a sense of accomplishment. While it doesn't come easy, it will be worth it.
In my experience, I have used my personal experience my industry to help have students buy into the course. I use examples from my past that relate to the course or the material being presented throughout the term.
These personal experience keep the students interested and excited about their future in the workplace. This excitement provides a foundation to keep them on track in the course.
I am a new instructor, so I have put a lot of thought into this and I decided to present current job postings and comparing them with the syllabus. Showing them that the skills that they are learning in the course have a direct correlation on the skills that are required in the field is valuable for student buy-in. I also thought about providing a salary range in the area of expertise as well as a comparable figure for where they will be working. That part I am not sure about, I know that money is a huge motivator for some folks but I don't want to convey that it is the only motivation for grasping the learning objectives.
Hi Norma,
Small wins are a great idea. We all like feeling successful, regardless whether it is in a big way or small way. The small wins will help them reach their overall goal.
Patricia
Hi Roy,
Once students feel they can relate, the participation and excitement really generate.
Patricia
By providing "real-life experiential" cases that adult learners can readily relate to.
It is encouraging to witness how the students engage in the discussion because they can relate.
Roy Redman
Hi Jeff,
Getting buy in from students can be challenging, especially in courses that they feel are not important to their own goals. I think you make a great point about helping them to see its applicability to their career path. I know that some students feel "buyers remorse" when they feel that they have not been successful right from the start, and how do you help them overcome this feeling of "failure"? What do you think about helping them feel successful by having small wins throughout the process?
