Hi Karen!
I really can't say enough about real life experiences. They are always the best teacher!
One challenge that I think we can all have is that one student who wants to monopolize the class with his/her experiences. Have you found a good way to redirect such a student - if so how do you do that?
Good job!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
Hi Jennifer!
Using life experiences in the classroom also introduces the younger less experienced students to the real world.
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
I like to give examples of real life experiences because it helps give the students a better picture of what they can expect in the field of their expertise. It gives them something to look forward too when they finally reach their goal.
Providing an opportunity for adult learners to share their life experiences with others can assist the student to feel validated in their efforts to be successful.
It helps relate the material so students can better understand the "why"
Very well put Dan!
Not to say that it helps the younger, less experienced students gain insight to what to expect in the workplace.
Good job!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
I think it is very important that students and or instructors use real life experiences. It humanizes the whole thing
by using life experience in the class, students can learn from real life and real experience. It gives them some idea about their career and how to deal with different issues. They love to hear the story, it motivates them.
I see tremendous growth in students that share their experiences with other students. Often times those experiences are enhanced by adopting another student's perspective or common experience.
I found as a sudent and now as an instructor; Life stories helped me assimiulate to their own (instructors) lives.
Dan - I agree. The more that adult learners can apply what they have learned to new classroom experiences results in more motivated learners and more productive and higher achieving students!
Mark McMullen
From the instructor's perspective it helps the students relate to me more on a personal level and understand that we all make mistakes. As the students talk about their experiences it allows me a better understanding of where they are coming from.
It helps adult learners to feel that their previous life experiences have relevance, value, and it reenforces their confidence in a successful outcome of their educational endevours. I think it also provides motivation to achieve their ultimate career goals.
I always use my experiences during my lectures, but I also give students time to give their experiences to the class, which we then discuss also. I think it helps get everyone involved in the lecture and see just where everyone is coming from.
After a certain point in life people feel the need to be valuable and pass on information they've gathered. One way they can feel this sense of accomplishment is to participate in class discussions by sharing their own experiences.
I feel it is important to use life experiences in class to let students know you were once in many of their shoes and you are successful.
This is important because they are able to relate certain situations and/or topics to work and school. While I teach I use my hospital experiences and my own life experiences of having sick family members and death to bring a relation to what they will deal with in the hospital. Once I share my own experience I usually then have students who are willing to share their own stories.
Its important because they all come to our type of school at different ages and different points in their life. Alot of times the decision is driven by the economy, they need to be reassured that this is the right decision. I share my personal experience with them as well, and they appreciate knowing that I am human and that I had to make sacrifices and walk in the shoes they are currently in to get to where they want to go.
Thanks Robert and Bethanne!
Very good observations from you both!
Keep up the good work!
Jane davis
ED106 Facilitator
During my lectures I try to reinforce the subject matter with some of my own experiences any when possible any experiences the students may have related to the matterial being discussed.
