Many times students take courses that they don't think they "need". Often times as instructors we hear "when will I ever need to know this" or "when will I ever use this". Take the content of that course and show how it applies to something specific in their chosen profession, that will help them make a connection between the two.
I believe that if a student realizes that we are, in fact, human and have been through what they have, they will not only trust you and the information you deliver, but they will see that achieving their goals is definitely possible.
Hi Brenda,
Students need to understand how the course relates to their career.
Patricia Scales
I always start a new subject by going over the course objectives. Once I am finished covering these I say "so what does that have to do with you?" At that point I let the students know where they will be using that knowlege in their actual work environment. Sometimes it's hard to see how a subject like chemistry comes into play so I try to help the students see the relevance.
Hi Donna,
Yes, they want to know and need to know how the course is going to benefit them in their career.
Patricia Scales
I am dental assisitng instructor so if I am teaching microbiology I will relate it to infection control. I will give them examples of diseases and how important it is to know the ediology of the diseases to protect themselves.
I will try to show the students the importance of learning the material to become successful in their careers, I will show them how the material relates to their chosen profession.
I can give examples of how the content I am teaching them will prepare them for their chosen profession.
what I teach (marketing/business)is different than many courses in that a student can act on just this material (e.g., MKTG101) and make him/herself money.
I start with "what's in it for you;" a technique I used before it became fashionable to use it. In one regard, it's easier to show relevance because (particularly) adult learners kind-of have an idea about this stuff before they enter my class (e.g.,), who hasn't sat in a fine restaurant and tried to figure what the dinner "take" is?
Another way is that (I've only been a "doctor" for 8 years) I used to be a businessman and still am a landlord. I am not a genius, that notwithstanding, I am self-made-independent. "If I can do it, you can do it - here's how I did it. Are there experiences in your life like mine in any way?" Usually, there are.
these are some of the ways I can get student buy-in. Another important technique for buy-in is humor - a topic for another day.
"Link" all material covered in the classroom to real world applications that show benefit to not just the student but to others as well.
Positive reinforcement with successful outcome generally motivates a student to attempt bigger or more complex challenges.
Ask - is what I am learning going to make a difference to myself or someone else?
Hi Veneece,
Guest speakers are priceless, and they certainly know how to put book theory into the world of work.
Patricia Scales
Hi Bruce,
Learning needs to apply to the real world so that students see/understand the relevancy of the course.
Patricia Scales
I believe sharing the importance of the course and how it is related to the real world is essential for students to learn about any course .Showing educational movies or having guest speaker about the topic may be agood ways.
To allow the students to understand the need of there attention, the instructor must let the students know how their future job prospects may be affected.
The students need to know how the course will help them to reach their goal. To help with this, the instructor needs to bring some examples of real world problems that the students may run into.
I believe that the most important thing to get the students to see the relevance of the course, is to have everything possible outlined in the syllabus.
I share relevant and recent articles about what we learn in class. We also discuss news that are relevant to our discussion. For example, in class a few weeks ago, we were discussing risk and rewards of investments. It was very educating and entertaining to hear students discuss why or why not to buy initial public offerrings(IPOs)' stock. We related it to the current news about the company that was having its IPO.
Felicia
Hi Kathy,
I agree! Students love it when we make learning real. We need to give them a dose as to what to expect in the real world.
Patricia Scales
Instead of watching students trying to just memorize words, try to explain real life situations that you will run into in the field with the entire list. Make is come alive to them. This is something they can remember, kin to storytelling.
Hi James,
A great combination for all is to have FUN while LEARNING! Students love excitement and laughter.
Patricia Scales
