use of current events for interest in lecture
Now that I will be a new instructor, I plan to utilize related current events in my lectures/discussions. For example, I will be teaching nursing students. I will try to find current nursing news in the local newspaper, nursing magazines, etc. I will bring in the article and then try to relate it to the nursing topics I am lecturing. I recall previous professors doing this in my classes and it makes it interesting and easier to remember the lesson when you link it to a current story or event.
I think showing an intrest in the students, the culture, and current events that they deal with is important. Let them know you understand life issue outside the classroom, and current events is a good way of doing just that.
i teach students from all over the country and there is nothing better to relate to a person from far away than the ability to converse about things from there neck of the woods. again let's demonstrate that we care about them.
I find that current events as well as stories from my work experiences are of great interest to the students. I do agree that the time spent on this aspect of teaching should be limited .
Using current events in the classroom is very good on a number of levels, however, it can get out of control in a heartbeat. I've learned "hot button" subjects need to be off limits. Politics can be tricky, but if done in a neutral way, my students can realize how current laws and bills up for debate directly affecting our industry are beneficial to them.
Another use of current events is as a state change. The key here is to keep it short, just to help relax the mind for a few minutes and get back on topic inside of 1-2 minutes.
Hello Mary. I am a new instructor as well and want to bring current events in to the classroom. I will be teaching psychology and even though this is not going to be the major of my students, I want them to be able to relate to what I am trying to teach them. There ARE interesting stories from years and years ago, but after awhile I fear the students will lose interest because they cannot connect to what I am saying or the people I am talking about. For instance, if I were to tell them about Flash Bulb Memory, remembering what they were doing when a big event occurred, I would use 9/11 as an example rather than President Kennedy's assassination (which is what my psych 101 teacher used).
I think using real life situations gives clarity to the lectures. I like to use every day situation to help get the message of the lesson across to students. Great idea.
I have been using newpaper articles about hybrid,electric car, and other aticles about upcoming alternate fuels for awhile now. The students do like seeing new vehicles and alternate fuels. I also get automotive magizines and bring in for them. I also have them do personal persentations on new automotive related subjects, and I put their persentations on the walls. It has worked out very well.
Hi Kathryn,
Great idea of using websites that show real life situations. This brings the "real world" right to the classroom and prepares students for what they will soon be facing. Also, by using this method you are reinforcing what you are saying in the classroom with reality.
Keep up the good work!
Gary
Another way to incorporate current events in lectures and/or clinicals is to discuss medical law suits. Many RN's carry their own liability insurance as well as being covered by the facility they are working for. NSO is a great website that discusses various law suits throughout the United States. Not to scare the students, but there are excellent topics and ways to avoid 'errors' that can be discussed as well as thought provoking.
Hi Mary,
I wish you the best as you develop your skills as a professional educator. Your ideas of how to keep the interest of your students are good ones and I know you are going to have a successful career as a teacher.
Gary
Thanks, Mary! You're right, it makes it more interesting and, in addition, more relevant and personalized. I have even brought in a current article and had the class briefly brainstorm themselves as to its application to them and their nursing responsibilities.
Jay Hollowell
MaxKnowledge Facilitator
I think using current events is a great idea.
I will start to look for emission related articles in the paper or internet. Thanks for the idea.
