Many students in the career college in which I am teaching are underprepared and really don't understand what the expectations are of them in the "real world". Some are wonderful and are a joy to work with, but unfortunately, the majority of students have "no clue" how to be successful in the professional world.
I teach a communication course and it is huge challenge for students to see the relevance of the course or to attempt to "break out of their shell", and start thinking as professionals.
One technique that reaches some students during the two weeks of the term, involves the Director of Career Services making a presentation about interviewing and then conducting mock interviews and coaching students in class, to show them their strengths and weakness and to demonstrate what it takes to be successful. During and after the process, we continually tie the ability to communicate effectively with personal and professional success. Another activity that students seem to like is guest speakers speaking in class, sharing how important communication skills are in the "real world". These two activities help, but after I get the student's attention the challenge is to get them to work with me, so I can help them. Often because they feel uncomfortable making presentations or interacting with others, they struggle and do not want to leave their comfort zones and "stretch themselves". Often they seem just to want to "get a passing grade", because they believe core course are more important than General Education courses, despite numerous demonstrations that communication is as important, if not more important, than high tech skills.
I have checked with other General Education Instructors and they all have the same issues. My sitation may be worse, because my class involves giving formal presentations, which for many is a fate worse than death.
A strategy I've occasionally employed in my project based classes is to actually bring in an industry professional from the same field to assist in critiqueing the final proj's. I find that many students will put in the extra effort to try to make the proj as good as it can be when they know ahead of time that there will be an industry pro (other than just their instructor) coming to see their work and give feedback.
It is important to keep the information relevant so that the students can see where they will utilize it later on and how it relates to acheieving their goal. I always try to explain to my students how all the information given to them is of use and how it connects to the subject.
One of the first things I do at the beginning of a new course is to find out exactly what my students are hoping to acheive from the course, I also ask them to outline their strengths and weaknesses.When the students needs are being met they excel and are completely focused and enjoy coming to class, student retention is high.
I am a Pastry Chef Instructor so a lot of the skills my students are looking to develop and enhance are practical skills , it is a very hands on subject. Once the students have acquired the neccessary skills I always try to inspire them by showing them not just one idea but a few different options,and encourage them to use their own ideas and imagination. This really seems to inspire them. I am of course there to help guide them if their ideas are more advanced than their skills.
I find this has been a great way to keep everything relevant and in touch with their expectations.The students really seem to evolve when they can incorporate their own ideas.
Hi Gabriel,
Good point about understanding relevance related to courses. Not making money can be a real problem in the food industry. If they get a solid understanding of how to financially operate they will reduce their stress level and be able to enjoy being in their kitchens. Keep up the effort to help them connect the dots between food and profit.
Gary
Establishing relevance in a college of culinary arts is usually not a problem. One of the potential challenge, however, is a is the cost control class. Some students resist learning the skills because the material isn't directly related to learning how to cook. It is important for the instructor to stress that one of the important responsibilities of a professional culinarian is to make money for the business.
Hi Nanci,
Thanks for sharing these ideas and strategies with us. They are great and offer a number of different learning methods that will keep the students engaged and focused on their learning.
Gary
Some specific ways (strategies or methodologies) that I can use to make my instructional content and delivery relevant to student expectations is to apply the course to the student’s needs.
When adult learners see that they can apply what they are learning to some current situation in their life they are more willing to apply themselves to the topic being taught. For example, when I am teaching the Word processing application, I teach the features that can be used to write a research paper for their current classes. Also, I teach them how to use the templates to create their resume that will be easy to update for their current or future use.
Hi Mark,
Good point about pretesting of students. I like to do this as well for the same reasons you shared. The results lets me plan better for their instructional needs and I have information that will enable me to be more on target for their learning preferences.
Gary
Finding out the needs and expectations of the students help to add relavency and energy to the instructional material. Using a pretest that asks what the learners expect to get out of the course helps to assess current topics which add fressness to possibly old material.
Hi Gary,
Thank you for sharing this valuable information with us. We have to bring our A game to the classroom each time we enter and that involves much preparation and planning.
Gary
My least successful courses were the ones in which I tried to cut corners. The first corner that I would cut was in evaluating and getting to know the students well enough. Wow, what an astronomical mistake. When I treat teaching like I treat leadership, I am far more effective. Learn the people and what motivates them. Then the rest is far easier.
I agree totally with Jill... the Institution I work for at one time had an aptitude test for all who applied. Now, it is first come first serve... and we are told to be flexible and monitor the students. At my level I have students at different levels of knowledge. I feel My instruction is relevant... but I am not sure I am getting through to them.
I tend to hone in on this technique intuitively. This very important. Our students want results and need to see the relevancy and application of class subjects. There are standards, and I always make a point to stress, "Why", in subjects covered.
Through my experience, students are usually waning to bring their life experiences to the learning environment such as their work-related activities, family responsibilities and previous education. It’s a way for them to see a reason for learning something.
Throughout their learning progress, it’s a natural progression for them to feel the need to connect their past with the present. Perhaps this is the reason why they are constantly asking and seeking to see how what they are being taught is relevant to their career goals.
Before I begin my new day’ discussion, I usually explain to the students how today's topic fits into what has been covered days before. I believe it’s sort of refreshing their memories before new information will be taking in. A brief enthusiastic summary of what has been previously covered will help them to see the relevance of the new material. It’s the best way to build a bridge between previous work and the current topic each time I start a class. Certainly, this is the way that I always like to be taught when I was a student.
K. Boodparset
Hi Gary,
I know it takes a lot of discipline to separate the time and commit to it every day. Sometimes I find it difficult to make the time to do it daily. But as you said in your workout example, it’s something that needs to be done if you want to be in shape. I do workout myself and I am committed to it, so I can relate to that. Your response has inspired me to do the same with my own online classes.
Again thank you for the prompt response.
Jose
Hi Chris,
Right you are. This is a way of individualizing instruction based upon their learning preferences which enhances their success and content retention.
Gary
Hi Jose,
I dedicate so much time each day to respond to all of the forum comments. By setting aside the time like this I don't fall behind and then have to spend long hours catching up. I do the same with my workout routine. I believe to stay mentally sharp you need to be physically fit as well. They both a part of my daily routine. I have to do it this way or I would fall behind in my responses. Also, I have to practice what I advocate and that is prompt feedback to participants.
Gary
You can't approach the content with a "one size fits all" approach, especially with adult learners. I like to ask them lots of questions, and then base my teaching methods on their individual needs.
Thank you. How do you manage to promptly respond to so many people? What is the secret?
Thanks,
Jose
