I personally talk about my field experice and how the course materials that we will be covering will guide them in the right direction. I also push professionalism always in the beginning of every course. I believe that professionalism is relevant in any situation, as a student or as an individual in the field.
Hi Barbie,
I concur! I like to show relevancy by expressing to my students how the course is going to help them in their career.
Patricia Scales
I believe by showing the course content to the students, it gives them an overall picture of what the course will entail and what will be expected of them during the course. This is beneficial to the student in two way first, if the student thought the course was about something different, they find out immediately and can make changes if necessary. Second, the student, by knowing what will be required of them for a particular course, can plan accordingly in terms of work/study time.
I have multiple and wonderful opportunities in teaching the fundamental nursing course in an accelerated nursing program. After a term of gen ed courses, they are finally learning about "nursing." I can draw on my experience to interject real life examples of how they will apply what they are learning, and how important it is for them to master the theory and skills to practice competently. Thankfully, I can remember (decades later) my nursing school experiences and challenges. I encourage them to visualize a building block approach to their education to help them realize that a firm foundation is the base for their future success. The firm foundation will be built upon in future nursing courses.
Adult learners can understand and accept the relevance of the course if they are given examples of scenarios that are tied in to the topic being discussed and connected to everyday things in real life. The "what's in it for me" question is always uppermost in their minds and this question can be answered by showing them tools to apply their learning to their own personal lives.
Use physical examples in class for instance if its a class on Food Safety you would have cutting boards and other visuals and show them what are good practices and not so good practices.
Hi Damien,
That's right! Time is of the utmost important on any job!
Patricia Scales
How things that are important in the class can be just as important in the workplace such as simply being on time.
So many times, I have students who are not taking the same major as my class is.
They say " I am a healthcare major, why would I want to study Business"
My answer, suppose that you are in a social gathering and a very common subject is "interest rates" imagine that you cannot join the conversation because you have no idea. It is time to widen your horizon and to know much more than your small-specialized work knowledge.
Hi Ninette,
Guest speakers are priceless! Students enjoy guest speakers, and students become really inspired and motivated after hearing guest speakers.
Patricia Scales
As an instructor I try to use examples. Examples that include how this "instruction" is going to benefit the student both in their education and future career.
Having guest speakers such as other professionals within the field, gradutes, etc... this helps validate the students experiences both inside and outside of the school. It shows the student it can be done and what they got from you as an instructor got them the career.
I can relate to that most of the time being the old man on campus.
Hi Patricia,
Students get real excited when we share real world situations with them.
Patricia Scales
Hi Larry,
I always tell my students that they will have a better appreciation for knowledge the older they become.
Patricia Scales
Hi Brian,
Great idea! I like using classified ads or online ads to showcase skill sets that they will learn in the class that will be utilized in their careers.
Patricia Scales
Share real life situations with them, that are pertinent to their course.
I like to show the students that even if they feel disinterested today, things are always changing and what seems of little interest today may be a huge thing in the future. I tell them about my own experience of not caring about English in high school and now teaching and going back to learn the things as an adult that I did not think important at the time.
I could highlight, by example, some jobs which employ people trained by a similar course. This could be a magazine example, a video, etc.
Hi Yevette,
I agree! Experience is the best teacher. Share as many applicable personal experiences as possible so that the students understand the importance of learning the knowledge to utilize in their career.
Patricia Scales
I feel that the best way I can show relevance is to give real life examples and scenarios that I've experienced in the field that is related to the topic at hand. Showing a student how I once employed the knowledge I'm trying to convey in order to save a life for example, really shows them the importance of what I'm trying to get across
