I find by showing them how all the classes relate to their common goal of becoming a Veterinary technician really helps. Also, by using real world examples, stories from when I was in the field keeps them engaged and fired up.
On the first day of class, I have the students break into groups and they write down what they think psychology is about. Then as a class we talk about this list. I write what they say down on the board and then give them real life examples.
One topic that really makes students excited about the class is talking about the impact color has on the brain.
I also use brain teasers and class questions as motivators. I also use them as cliff hangers for the next clas.
Playing jeopardy or some sort of small game always sparks a fire within. I always make sure to explain that this is not for competitive reasons-and we are all a team. I find that small games make learning fun and gets all students involved.
Hi Marcie,
I really like how you get your students to visualize themselves in a situation that is likely to take place in the real world so that they will know how to better handle various situations.
Patricia Scales
Hi Heather,
I really like the idea of demonstrating and then letting the students do it. Students love hands-on learning.
Patricia Scales
As a diesel instructor, I like to mix in life lessons (actual experiences and their outcome as a moral reference), anecdotal stories, their potential income, the importance in timing of their arrival into this field and how exciting this field of study actually is and how important they'll be in helping the economy by keeping these vehicles running.
I always try to get the student to picture themselves in a certain situation that relates to the course. IE: CPR training. I give them a real world situation ask how they would handle it and proceed from there. This way the student can identify and understand the importance of the material
Hi Patricia,
Wow, you got me excited just reading your response. I can tell your students get excited based on your energy. Great gesture to send students a welcome note!
Patricia Scales
Hi Michele,
Students love it and become really interested when they know that the course will benefit them professionally.
Patricia Scales
I discuss my personal experience in the field and use both lecture and hands on to give them a variety of learning techniques.
I demonstrate the different massage techniques and then the students practice on each other.
Send out good email correspondence as an advance communication tool (a welcome message) in the student portal about the upcoming class, things we are going to be doing, items we will be baking and eatting, etc.
First day of class, I have each student talk about themselves, their feelings & thoughts about baking & pastry, whats their favorite dessertts & dream job in the industry.
Use resource material (magazines) show casing different desserts and items that we will be making in class.
I will go into detail about some of the topics we will cover and some of the projects we will do that coincide with the topics and how they can later apply the knowledge to their occupation once they are out in the workforce. This seems to catch their interest and get them asking questions and before long everybody is looking forward to covering certain sections of the courswork. It's great to feel the energy and excitement in them for what they are about to learn. I love it.
Hi McKenzie,
Students love it when we share practical experience with them.
Patricia Scales
I give them real experiences that have happened in the field and ask them why they are interested in this course
I talk to them about my experience in the dental office, the different types of procedures i was able to see and help assist with. I also 'show, tell, do'. I show them the materials or instruments we wil be learning about, tell them about the uses, what the asistants responsibilities are and let them do the mixing, holding, using all of the items.
Being a Medical assistant what I do to get my students excited is to actually role-play out scenarios in front of them to show what their job will look like, then have them come up and play patients and even give me a hard time like a real patient would. It is a great way to break the ice and the students love to see me have to deal with difficult patients. Then we discuss what has gone on and put it into play with them now acting out as MA and patients.
At the beginning of a new clinical nursing class, I begin by involving the students in an introductory activity and begin by building rapport immediately. Usually, not much of the course material is covered in the first day. Student orientation and explanation of the course requirements will take up most of the first session. Often, grouping the students on the first day facilitates teamwork and will also allow the students to get to know each other better since they will be expected to work together during their clinical rotation.
I paint a picture about the course. I work on relating the course to various things outside of the classroom. I love painting a picture of the course expecations and objectives. On the first and second day that the class meets I do a meet and greet ice breaker. During that ice breaker I have a list that includes what "do you plan to gain from this class." Another method is homework - on the first day the homework assignment is to go through the table of contents and find a chapter that interest you and be able to speak to that chapter in front of the classroom. I make the homework point impacting so that they are motivated to participate.
Hi Stephanie,
Excitement does start at the very top with the instructor.
Patricia Scales
Hi DONNA,
Students enjoy hearing about our professional experiences as they apply to the real world.
Patricia Scales
