I find that students want (and need) to see how the content of the lesson is relevant to their lives. If I can make a connection from the start, and show them that what I will be communicating to them is in some way connected to their life and/or interests, then I feel that half the battle has already been won. ...An example: I was teaching a class on the Renaissance. Instead of beginning with all the "cool things" DaVinci created, I took a Michael Jordan (these days it would be a LeBron) jersey out of my desk and hung it above the chalk board. I then began to spin a basketball on my finger while talking about the great players that came before Jordan. I focused on the way he built upon ideas of Russel and Erving. We talked about the "rebirth" of the NBA and what it is today. It was a great segue into learning about some of the "players" of the Renaissance. By the end the class I told them I want them to look up at the championship banners that hung in their gymnasium. I wanted them to remember the golden ages of their past and draw paralles to what they've learned in class. ...While this may be a corny example, I had all eyes on me and nearly every student participating. It was something they could talk knowlegably about while at the same time, found interest in. Once they were motivated, the rest was easy.
Amy,
All good activities to keep the students involved in the learning process. The change of pace and variety helps to keep them engaged and focused on the content while the activities help them to burn the information into their long term memory.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
First you have to find the strengths and weaknesses in regards to learning of your students. Then I would take those suggestions and incorporate them into my lesson plan. If the students are active in the class and the learning materials are being taught repetitiously eventually the students will remember the materials. You can use games like jeopardy or speed questions. Give the team that wins extra credit.
Jenaro,
I was just reading about this new wave of stranger to stranger violence. You do have something very current to discuss and strategize about with your students. I think this approach is so valuable because this method shows both relevancy and application of content and this increases the value of the course to the students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I am currently teaching various courses within the Criminal Justice Discipline. One method that I use is I have the class participate in problem solving excercises about current issues that have made the news reports. In teaching Crime Prevention, for example, we discussed what was causing the current "Knockout" Game in New York City.
Youth have been approaching complete strangers on city streets and assaulting them by "sucker punching" them. It is captured on video then uploaded to youtube.
We then discussed the whys and reasonings of it and put forth some ideas as to how to stop this conduct. The entire class participated in the discussion.
Ralph,
Like this approach because you are showing your students both application and relevancy in relation to the course content. Keep up the sharing!
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I try to bring "in the news" topics to the classroom as a way to show relevance. Students need to see that their efforts have timely and practical application.
Don't drone on in a monotone voice. Make the subject matter exciting so the students will want to learn. Show the students your are interested in the material, show them you care about them and are interested in their success.
Pixie,
I agree about the instructor holding the key to student excitement in the course. It is for sure that if we are not excited about being in the class and teaching our students are not going to be excited about being in the class. We need to bring our enthusiasm each and every time we step into the classroom or lab.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I think that with any class, the instructor holds the key to the students excitement about a course. I always try to go in and be as upbeat as possible about the course ahead as well as let them know that I will be there for them and with them throughout the entire course.
NaKeta,
Good for you. Bringing your passion for your field into the classroom along with enthusiasm for teaching are two sure ways to get your students excited.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Jessie,
I do to. Field trips make the content come alive for them and increases the value of the course in terms of their career development. In addition, their motivation levels increase because they get to see and meet individuals doing what they are training to do.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Thomas,
The more real world applications you can make the better. You are doing a good job of making your content relevant with your sharing of stories and current events that impact your students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
To motivate learners and build excitement, I consistently share my excitement and drive to be successful in my industry. I consistently show my students that they can become very successful in our industry after giving their all.
I believe that students can be motivated by going on field trips to attend hair shows, seminars, salons, etc. This would create greater interest and participation in the course.
I bring in real life examples. Current news stories and events in addition to asking students if they have a story about the issue they can share with the class. I reference movies they may have seen and in my cultural diversity classes, I ask them to try to identify to themselves prejudices they may still have and to evaluate them to see if it is based on a stereotype and whether it leads to their discriminating against the person based on that generalization.
Keiyanez,
By sharing real world experiences with your students you are increasing the value of your course content. You are providing them with a look at their future if they are willing to do the work via your real world examples. Keep sharing those stories.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
As a cosmetology instructor, I find that my students become more excited about a cosmetology course when I share my real life experience with them. They become more eager to learn more about the profession and how they can become successful in it.
Yi,
I agree with you about the need for passion to be a part of the career selection process. Even though many careers pay well having to work in that career for many years and not liking it would be a real challenge. So knowing more about students and their reasons for being in the course the easier it will be to connect them with the content.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Ramona,
You make a good point about the need for students to find personal meaning and value in the course content. This is so important because it is after all their career they are preparing for so they need to be able to see relevancy in what is being offered.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
