Following a class discussion I like to incorporate real world situations. I will usually have a homework assignment that allows the student to make the connection between the information given and a situation that they have experienced. I think this gives the students an opportunity to research a topic that has meaning to them.
Hi Jack,
Good plan. Not only are you telling your students that have a future if they work hard and apply themselves you are giving them examples as well. I like to use trade journals as well because they reinforce what I am telling my students. They get to see it for themselves.
Gary
My primary strategy is demonstrating relevance through my own experience in the field. This is done through anecdotal evidence as well as by handouts. Second, using trade journals as evidence of relevancy.
Hi Paul,
That is common with most students. The "hands on" helps them to see application and relevancy. The use of tactile instruction in combination with content should give them the knowledge and skills needed to be successful in their career.
Gary
Teaching at a trade school I find hands on training to be much more affective than lecture for the students to fully understand the training
Hi Mark,
I like your approach to getting the class ready for the day's activities by reviewing what happened in the previous class.
Also, you are developing respect and relevancy in your students by helping them solve problems for their families. It helps to make their education real.
Gary
I try to start my day with an interactive question and answer session based on the material we covered the day before. This way I can re address material that may be confusing or misunderstood. By doing this I can become fairly confident that this material has been absorbed by my students before moving on to another topic.
I also leave time for open discussion of related topics that my student may have encoutered in there homes, I teach HVAC/R and we all have heating and AC systems in our homes. By doing this I can get my students personally involved in the learning process.
When my student (with my guidance) are able to solve a problem for themselves or for a relative it gives them a huge boost of confidence and sometimes will help an unmotivated student get back on track.
Hi Cynthia,
Good approach. This method gives the students both application and relevancy to what they are being taught.
Gary
I think keeping up to date on current trends and technologies keeps you fresh and reminds you that you always are student.
The majority of the students grasp the content better if it is given to them in everyday situations. So after discussing a chapter or an important term, I will explain it to them using everyday scenarios.
I am currently gathering information that will be beneficial for the students. I currently have my 1974 publication on dental assisting which has excellent pictures that would be helpful for the students education with instrument identification. I will continue to gather pictures and video tapes that will enhance the students knowledge of how to be the best you can be as a dental assistant.
I have recently changed position from instructor to purchasing, but in my previous position I experienced the need to adjust the content and class organization to the learning abilities of the students. The classes are diverse by age, etnicity and educational background. It took a session or two to chart out the abilities of each students.
Not wanting to leave the less advanced students behind or keep the more advanced ones back I devided the class of fifteen into four groups making sure that each group has at least one mature students with more knowledge and skill in the subject thought. It worked for the benefit of most but only after I explained to the more advanced students their role in this arrangement.
Hi David,
I commend you for your efforts at professional development. This way you will remain current with what is happening in your field. It is easy to get behind when you are teaching and not notice technology or procedures that have changed in your career area.
Gary
Hi Christine,
Good idea in using the Best/Worst class method of getting your students to identify their expectations for their classes. They can explore their learning preferences and get geared up for the coming course content. I know your students really benefit from this approach.
Gary
I also try to stay up to date on training. I also try to make and vary the content so i can reach all the different styles of learning
Yes, our network of schools emphasizes a "We Care" attitude towards students and staff. We also have all of the students take the Insights communication evaluator prior to starting classes, which (with the training we provide during the class) helps them understand how they communicate best, how others do, and how to make the 2 work together - a very valuable life-skill.
One of the most meaningful activity I conduct with my students is Best/Worst class, where they have to describe (in writing/no names allowed) their best and worst classes they have ever had (they can go all the way back to Kindergarten if needed. They then learn about which learning preferences they have and their MI strength areas. Afterwards, we come back to those two classes that they described and look for possible reasons in learning preferences/MI terms. It is usually a great 'aha' moment for the students!
Hi Christine,
Sounds like you teach in a wonderful setting if you get to use all of the different learning preferences and multiple intelligences as you present content. This applications really make a different in retention and application.
Gary
Trying to apply content to real-life situations.
The student success course I currently teach is centered around being relevant to the lives of the student, making that part fairly easy. I also utilize constructivist methods to assist student in answering for themselves what the relevance of the content of any course they are taking is.
We also have learning activities centered around the different learning styles and Multiple Intelligences, so the students leave the course knowing exactly how they learn best.
Hi Jena,
Great strategy! The reason students enroll in a career college in the first place is driven by the "compelling why". Relevancy and application is what it is all about. Your students get this from the beginning to the end.
Gary
