Using effective communication skills is extremely relevant in the healthcare field. Students offer many relevant examples, then I link their examples to the course contents. Showing relevancy is a continual process.
ANN
How can students earn a certification level?
Good examples!
Make it as real as possible and get them involved!
With a communication course, there are many relevant examples in the students' professional and personal lives. For example
* building rapport
* using persuasion effectively
* managing conflict
The students can generate many practical examples.
I use the phrase "(how it) adds value" in a measureable way. Relevancy is about both short term and long term benefits, and I continutally address the short and long term benefits and value to their functional lives.
The key to relevancy is "making it real" -- helping the student internally visualize how what they're learning will impact their career. Some strategies include:
- presenting "props" : real-world tools and affected objects that relate to the curriculum
- welcoming guest speakers: presenting other professionals who apply similar teachings on a day-to-day basis on the job
- simulation: creating in-class situations modeled after real world professional interactions.
I give students examples of real-life situations when the knowledge will help them make good decisions regarding patient care. Their actions taken as a nurse must be supported (and sometimes defended) using the knowledge they learn in school.
Relevancy of the course content can be accomplished through the sharing of real world examples. In some settings, opportunities are provided for student internship, where they are able to apply their knowledge to the work setting. This may also be accomplished through class activities and/or group/team projects, where application of new skill sets may be implemented as part of the objective in the task.
I teach accounting and most students are not ecstatic about taking the class. I find that by integrating everyday items such as bank statements and 401k information into the course, it helps the students understand everyday applications of accounting theory. By showing them that accounting is all around them and decisions that they make within the business affect the accounting cycle make them more engaged.
Hi Cynthia,
What good ways to show relevancy to the course content. These ways work beautifully!
Patricia
Hello Cynthia,
This is a great response, I realize when reading this that is what I actually do when I am in the middle of explaining to my class why we are doing what we are. The students really respond to my personal experience.
Explain what the topic is, how, when and why it is used in the field, and give an experienced based example.
I believe showing the students the importance of mastering the skill in the classroom or clinical lab will increase one confidence when entering the workplace. Stressing the benefits of learning each skill proficiently will produce better job performance. The better outcome in the workplace for career advances.
Some great ideas! Always good to get another thought or input from another source.
I apply my industry experience to the classroom, and even bring in tools I have used as visual examples. It shows students the hands-on post college application of the textbook material. I also add additional information I know they will use, not included in the textbook to the lecture powerpoints. I add pictures and notes.
Hello Carolyn,
Guest speakers can really relate their presentation to things that have been taught.
Patricia
Hi Patricia,
There is much information to be learned from guest speakers. Students enjoy having guest speakers.
Patricia
Hi Deborah,
I like how you cover both positive and negative.
Patricia
Hi Deborah,
I would like to know the philosophy. It sounds interesting.
Patricia
Hello Erie,
Field trips put everything in perspective!
Patricia
Field trips help the student see what it is they will do when they finish. It also gives the student a chance to ask questions. Then I tie in the applications for the materials presented and the lights come on.
