I remind them of why they have enrolled and the new life and bright future that awaits a sucessful graduate. Our industry is driven by leisure and family fun times. Most of our students are enthusiast of our industry. They are at our instution because they are involved in our pasttime. I will open and close each class with a short question and answer session about the industry and product. After repairs are made our grads will have to test the product. I will take it back to "we get paid to play with other peoples toys". Because they already like the industry and the fun times associated with it's easy. Just keep them fosused on the great times to be had and money to be made.
Hi Laureen,
Thank you for making it real for your students. Students are better able to relate whenever they see applications from the real world.
Patricia
As I'm going over the information students will receive from me on the first day, I will sometimes skip ahead to a subject that they will learn at a later point in the course. Something usually mind-blowing. a "wow" effect basically. This peaks thier interest and instills in them that they too will "know" this subject. It subconciously sets a goal in thier minds.
Hi,
For my accounting class, I bring in Financial Statements from well-known companies and explain that this is what they will be making by the end of the quarter.
Laureen
Hi Laureen,
What kind of visual do you provide for this buy in? Students really do buy in as long as they understand the class is going to help them.
Patricia
Hi,
To get buy in I talk about how the class is an important part of their overall education and career goals. I usually give a quick visual to reinforce these ideas.
Laureen
I show a passion for the subject as much as is possible and then I work hard to include as many real world, applicable situations as I can to make the subject matter gain weight in the students' eyes.
Steve
I try and explain how the course material will benefit the student in the work place. When possible I divide the class in small groups that simulate a typical office setting. Students play different roles and are ask to apply the materials learned.
I will try and get them to buy into the course by forming them in groups, heaving them help me during set up for the class, by having the students expplain their goals and wishes. but in reality, I do not usually have to get them to buy into the class since even the poorer students are very anxious to be in the class from the first day and usually are very interested in participating in the class.
I use myself alot, and scenarios that have happened. I use these events to help them learn from my mistakes. Sometime students dont think you experience the things they go through.
Generally, I will try to find an ice breaker or activity that will tie the assignment to their current educational goals, both long- and short-term. I also tell them from the beginning that my course is a collaborative learning environment, which means everyone takes part in the class and has a stake in the overall accomplishment of the course since they all possess varying degrees of knowledge, skills and abilities. I also solicit feedback on the first day of their expectations of me as an instructor and I try my best to adhere to their expectations, as long as they are reasonble.
Hi Benjamin,
Students really do buy in whenever they understand how the subject matter will help with employment.
Patricia
I demonstrate how the class relates to their potential employment field. I also tell them that the greatest form of respect an instructor can demonstrate for his students is when he or she challenges them academically and teaches them thoroughly.
I will explain to them why I have them follow protocols instead of just telling them that they may be out of compliance.
Hi Heather,
Students automatically buy in whenever they know that they will do applications that are applicable to their careers. Remember, as instructors we need to be excited on Day 1 as well as throughout the entire grading period, this helps with buy in too.
Patricia
I implement brainstorming sessions with the class to find out what the students are most interested in learning. I have students gather in groups of two or more and have them come up with ideas that we may discuss or implement as topics for further discussions. It makes the students feel that they have some say in the class.
There are several things that I have found that will get a student to buy in to your course. First, as others have mentioned, you must explain the importance of the subject matter and how they are going to use it once they enter their chosen field. I have also found that students respond positively when they have the opportunity to do as much hands-on work as possible. If you preview the assignments that they will be completing throughout the term, they seem to get excited from the very beginning and maintain that excitement throughout the course.
Let the students know that you are approachable. This way they won't be as hesitant to participate or ask questions. Also, try to bring humor into the classroom. If students are having fun while they are learning, they will be engaged in the process and want to come back.
Hi Andrea,
Students tend to really buy in once the instructor shows that they have a passion for the craft and is qualified to do the job.
Patricia
Hi Cindy,
Great ways to get students to buy in. I especially like how you share your personal experience and your use of old sayings. You're right, you only get one chance to make a first impression. I can tell you are passinate about this line of work.
Patricia
