I give lots of handouts from the facility I work at full time to show them what is in the textbook is actually what is practiced out there in the real working world. I also bring in a guest speaker that will present on one of the main chapters in the textbook.
I try to explain to students how what they are learning can be applied to their career field. Technology is a major aspect of most jobs today and in teaching a computer course, I can show students how they will use technology in their field, whether it be through creating spreadsheets and databases, presentations, or simply writing a business memo. Students will need to know how to apply these skills in the workplace so it is important to give them examples of how these skills will be used.
I use myself as an example and tell students about healthcare field. I explain how learning process connected to real life.
Hi Jeannie,
It makes for a very interesting lecture whenever the instructor can share personal work experience stories with their students. Students are fortunate to learn from an instructor who has practical experience in the field.
Patricia
I try to take my personal experience in the work field to show the relevance of the course. Giving the students examples of why they need to learn this specific lesson , then I usually show them what could happen in the work field if you weren't familiar with this subject
Hi Thomas,
Your students are very fortunate to have you as their instructor. Sharing real life experiences with students really shed light on a lot of practical things. Students are interested in hearing the stories that are applicable to the course content.
Patricia
I always tell students how new skills will benefit them at work.
I also like using real life examples. I teach in the medical field so there is always something happening that relates to the topic under discussion. I also encourage students to report on their recent interactions with healthcare and then we discuss how the experience could have been improved, what issues were noted, etc.
I often use myself as a subject expert in the course content since I have been actively working the field for over twenty years. I tend to provide examples of situations that have come up in my current job and I feel it helps them to hear about what could happen in the field, and ways in which to prevent problems from occurring.
Hi Thomas,
Super idea! The key words are current events. Students fully get it as to how they can benefit from the course.
Patricia
Hi Denise,
I like how your bring in documentation to show students how the course applies to the real world...students will believe the documentation.
Patricia
I try to give my students examples of "real world" applications of their current course. Currently, I am teaching a math class and have found news articles and references to show the importance of math in "real world" circumstance...and the serious outcomes that can occur if mistakes are made.
I have the students retrieve articles on current events and have them tie the article back to the material that is discussed in class.
I think it is very important to show relevancy to my MA students. I always use examples from own experiences as an RN and a internship coordinator. I want them to understand what the expectations are in the medical field and what can happen if they have sloppy work habits. I also want them to understand how exciting and diverse this field really is.
Hi Shining,
Absolutely! The course should definitely relate to the career path, and it should be known to students how the course will help theim in their career. When students understand the benefit of the course, they really get into the course.
Patricia
Do you imply the relevancy of the course with students' career path? I believe it might easy to assign some projects and engage students' in discuss.
I can show relevancy of course content by given real work experience example of how the content can be applied. This helps the student realize the importance of the information and it helps them get motivated to learn.
Hi Stephen,
Whenever students get to role play or use simulation in what they have learned, they understand the relevancy of the course a lot better.
Patricia
Tell how you use it yourself. Have them try it in a mock setting. I think that's called simulation.
I also tell them what is really not that important or "optional" so to speak.
Hi Mike,
When students fully understand how the course will benefit them in the workplace, they get the relevancy.
Patricia
