Life experiences and examples in the classroom
I have found that using real life examples and telling stories that relate to the content motivates and encourages students. They can relate to real life experiences and it makes them feel that their goal is obtainable.
Students will often feel free enough to share their life experiences once you share.
Brian,
I think you are right on & that these stories help them realize that they need to know the skills/info so well as everything doesn't always run perfectly.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I too use short stories from the field both good and bad.I talk of some of the bad things that have happened to me for the purpose of showing how a positive attitude could usually turn these bad things into a positive learning experience.
The challenge sometimes becomes self-disclosure from the instructor or other students that is completely inappropriate or distracting.
I have learned much from my students as well. And what I've found is that many of these students can be used in following sections, terms, semesters of my course. I will tell the stories of former students (with full credit of course) to current students, so all can benefit.
Ryan
Many of my students have real life experiences in the field I teach so it is wonderful having them share their experiences with others. I find myself learning from them as well which is a wonderful extra benefit.
Interestingly, they often share that though with me
Great point. Sharing our own real life experiences causes the students to say: "hey this person really has done this before & they know what they're talking about."
Ryan
How true and also I find that relating my own experiences increases my credibility both as an instructor and as a person. This helps students be more receptive to my messages
Yes, and I have found that using one's own life experience (in an appropriate and professional manner) to signal students that they can safely share---in the same manner.
