renita,
this is great. These stories also help them learn from mistakes & connect the abstract to real.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
It brings a reality to the subject matter at hand, versus acquiring text in a book. Its a way to connect with the content and others in the class. I use it frequently with my students. They say I have a story for everything.
Katie,
this is so true. Also the sharing of life experiences demonstrates to the adult learners that we appreciate that they have had valuable experiences so far & we are not treating them as children.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
It gives them more confidence in entering their new career. I find that when it is time to discuss career and resume's they say "I have no experience in this field, what do I put on my resume?" I ask what they have done and give them a short list of skills they already have from their prior career/job, have applied in the current class, and then how to put it on their resume. They are usually surprised at the impressive skills that they already have!
Using lie experience in the classroom help the student to feel comfortable when interacting with classmates, also it helps the student with self esteem when talking about a subject they are familiar with. It helps build confidence and also helps other classmate remember a concept from a real life experience.
Many times they can relate the life experience to something they're learning now or are challenged with. That previous experience often gives them a clue on how to resolve a current situation. The old saw comes into play: "Experience teaches a dear school".
It is important for adult learners to be able to use their life experience in the classroom so that they feel they can be successful. When they know they can be successful, they will be motivated to do well in the course and career field.
Brandon ,
these real life experiences help the students connect theoretical ideas to real life applications.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I also feel it is important to use Our life experience to help students understand. They can relate the story to the topic being taught.
Ledio,
definitely true. I like to use the real life experiences to generate the interest of all students, but especially these who are really focused on the practical application.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Many students are non-theoretical types, meaning they'd like to know how does what we teach apply in "real life" situations. Giving life experiences helps them see that.
It is much easier to relate to someones life story that you feel connected to...than a story about the life of someone in a book...
I think it is important for adults to be able to relate experiences in class that are descriptive of how the book knowledge is utilized in their careers. By allowing students to do this, it can encourage others who may not be working in the field yet to understand the application of knowledge in the workplace.
I think it is important for adult learners to be able to use their life experience in school because they have that experience to draw on to add to their success. Each day something new is learned. The older/more experienced they are, the more they have learned in their lives before they get to us.
They need to share and feel like they belong. They also need to know that other students and teachers can learn from their past experiences.
I agree to discuss real life experiences in the classroom. The students seem to enjoy hearing about what they will be experiencing soon. They engage in conversation, and ask alot of questiions. If the instructor motivates the class with true life experiences, the students will show
more interest in the classroom.
I enjoy relating subject matter to life experiences because it makes the course content more tangible. In discussing food safety and sanitation, we often discuss our own habits and findings in our kitchens and when eating out.
Culinary students all love to cook and love to eat, and it can be very easy to relate what we're talking about to a recent experience of a student. It makes the class more engaging, and content more memorable.
James,
it really does help bring the somewhat abstract down to the real life for them & helps see how this information can be applied.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I think it is a great way to get students involved in the conversations. It also motivates others to hear real life examples of things they will be needing to do in their careers.
I believe it help the student relate to the topic and in some cases it gives them motavation and helps remember the specific topic or question.
