Life experiences in the classroom
This particular experience show's the student's that you are comfortable with the material that you are sharing with them
Janice,
this is a great idea as it reminds them that they have overcome a lot already & so they can be successful in this new environment.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I agree that sharing life and work experiences for adult learners gives them a boost in confidence. I teach adults who are learning an allied health technology as a second career. When the students are feeling overwhelmed with new content I will ask them to think about a time in their old job when they had to learn a new skill and have them share what it was like for them to learn and master a new skill. The students have similar stories about being overwhelmed, and then gradually learning the skill, making mistakes, learning from the mistakes and then mastering the skill with time and practice. Many individuals in the class are faced with a similar challenge and the students seem to take comfort in hearing other stories of triumph.
I enjoy speaking about life and past work experiences in the classroom. It gives the students an opportunity to get excited about possible experiences that they may have rather than just lecturing from the textbook.
I agree. I help my students to understan that there is more than one way to skin a cat. This way may be easier for Joe and this way easier for Sue, but as long as we are reaching/accomplishing the same results/goal, we have acheived what we set after to do. Life exoeriences in the classroom help students to relay the theory to the practical, like an "aha" moment!
hands on training combined with instructors career success and experience, helps me to have students relate and apply the knowledge being taught. I have found this to be particularly effective when it comes to the "soft skills" required to communicate effectively with clients/patients.
The fact that adult students can share their life's experiences, gives them a boost in self-confidence,and it shows that there are many different ways to apply their knowledge and skills. It greatly keeps everyone focussed, involved and participating in the lectures.
This really helps in the Massage Therapy program. A lot of times students will be knee deep in anatomy and physiology and other sciences and really forget how it is applicable to real life as a massage therapist. I like the adult students to feel good about their life experiences and how it prepares them for whats ahead. These students may not have been in school for a while, but they bring a lot to the table in life wisdom and experiences. This statement gives them a boost in confidence!
Linda
peter,
this is a great example of how those life experiences can help the students connect the class concepts to the practicality.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
being that i am a surgical technology instructor, i am always confronted with questions like: what does this have to do with surgery? definitely, life experiences is the way to go.
sharing life experiences in the classroom shows the students that there are a variety of ways to apply what they are learning
Timothy,
yes & we've found that for all students & especially Gen Y learners, the connection to practical application is huge in helping engage with learning.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Also shows the students that what they are learning goes along with the practicle application.
Dorothy,
and it also helps them see how to make application to real situations.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
