How does one fill time?
Sometimes, there is a lot of time left at the end of
class.
Sonya,
The more exposure they can get to the real world they are preparing to enter the better. Sharing your experiences as well as case studies help them to develop their problem solving skills which are going to be essential for career success.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I often give tell real life experiences to my students that pertain to the subject. I may also come up with situations and have them tell me how they would handle something or what their opinion may be on them. Then we discuss different ways to handle them and the different outcomes.
I think that's a great idea. Students like to hear what it's like out in the real workplace and if they have a better understanding of possible experiences they may have an easier time transitioning from the classroom to the office.
Rollin,
Students love stories like this as you already know I'm sure. When their instructor shares a story like this they perk up because you are helping them to see the relevance of what you are teaching and how to make application of the skills they are developing.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I often talk about things in the field I have come across.Being in the automotive field ,it would be something like a customers extreme abuse of thier car etc.
Glenn,
I teach from 4 until 10 pm so I can relate to your situation. It is tough to keep them engaged for the duration of longer meeting classes. We need to have a variety of activities planned and keep the energy level high for the students so the time will go quickly for them.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Sometimes I have a lot of time left too. My classes are for 4 hrs. It gets tough when students don't want a break so they can leave early. I tell stories but because most of my classes are at night, they get board unless it's something they become interested in. I try to get them talking and ask them questions so they can tell me/class stories. I find that students like to share their experiences so I let them.
Ileen,
These are fun sessions because students love stories as you mention. Stories like these help to make the content come alive and have value to them as they prepare to enter the field.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I am a Dental Instructor and my students like me to share experiences as a dental assistant. And then students will start describing things that went on at their dental visits which leads to explaining extractions,restorative procedures, etc.
Marshall,
Thanks for the activity idea about how to use a life experience as a case study. Your comments are right on target about how they need to reflect what is being taught so the students can see why the story was shared. When done this way the content of the course is reinforced at an even higher level.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I too often use real life stories. A pastor once told me that humor can be used in the pulpit , but only if it truley relates to the message. I remembered this and always tie these stories to the point I'm trying to make in the lecture. Otherwise some students can evaluate you poorly as "always telling stories" because they missed the point. If it's another personal story that a student will tune out on, consider writing it as an anonomous case study. and involve the students in solutions to a question through discussion.
Jason,
I think this is such a valuable way to get to know where your students are coming from and how they see themselves in the field. Knowing this can help you to customize your instructional approach to meet their needs more accurately.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I like to talk about professionalism in the medical office, giving different situations and asking individually what each student would do in that given situation. No two answers may be alike, so it gives me an idea on where I may need to concentrate with a certain student, whether it be morally, ethically, etc.
Zack,
As you have probably noticed students really like hearing stories from the field. These stories help to make the content real and validates why the students are being asked to learn what is being shared.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I often speak about real life experiences and connect with the students to create an open learning environment.
Fantastic idea!Things are always changing in one of the courses I teach, and using the "current events" idea is a fantastic way to bring in the outside while engaging the students.
Megan,
You are going to have fun with this approach. Talk about health and fads, one week drinking coffee is bad for me and the next week with a new study out drinking coffee will help me to live longer. Never know what to believe but it is fun to talk about such things.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I also sometimes struggle with extra time. It depends on the group on students. Some are quick to grasp concepts and others really struggle. I love the idea of current events!!! I am in the exercise and wellness field and things are always changing! New studies are coming out and new fads are being advertised. This is an awesome idea to keep myself, as well as my students up to date and keep them pro active in the class room. Thank you so much for the idea!
Philip,
This method also reinforces the relevancy of the material because you are showing the students application of content. This increases their understanding of the value of what they are being taught.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
