Students as a Resource
I often have students that know a lot more about a particular topic than I do due to their career experiences. In these cases, the student can be a great resource during a class discussion for the other students as well as myself.
Pulling from the field experience of students help to bring out a realistic environment. I like to use this help develop a particular subject. Doing this ties in lecture to hands on.
Stephen,
You make a good point because as an educators we each need to use all the resources we have available. If those resources are students then by all means they should be used. It is fun for me to hear and learn of the experiences that my students have and then be able to incorporate these experiences into the course. I agree about using guest speakers as well. I bring in graduates and have them talk with my students about the value the got from the content being offered in my course. Always an increase in the motivation levels of the students after one of these sessions.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I agree. I think that the realization of them being a resource and not a threat, to the instructor, really helps the class move forward and form bonds with the student who has the experience. It also shows a level of respect being granted by the instructor. Its nice to have an in class guest speaker.
James,
I think having student share their experiences in relation to the topics being discussed is a great use of in house resources. They build confidence in themselves as they share their experiences and earn the respect of other students. This sets up a win win situation for everyone.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Although I have a good grasp on the learning points, my students have a wealth of specific life experience where the concepts have been applied in live circumstances. Frequently, they are able to share their experience, then apply the new concept and explain how they would do it differently in the future.
N. Dianne,
This has been my experience as well. I really enjoy learning from my students. I am amazed at some of the experiences my students have had and how they can relate them to the course. I enjoy teaching because I get to meet new people all the time and definitely take something away from each of them. Makes the tough days worth it.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I agree that students can be a great source of knowledge. One of the benefits of teaching non-trad students is that I never fail to learn something from them....sometimes a lot of something!!
Kyle,
Great to hear of your experience with these students. I always try to use all the resources I can when teaching and if that is resource happens to be students even better.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I have just recently experienced this myself. I have some veterans in my class that are more fluent in a specific area that I am instructing in. They have provided me with new tools to use in my lecture and are additional motivation for their fellow students. It's a win/win.
Jeremiah,
When given a resource we instructors should take advantage of it. Having a student that has extensive experience in the topic being discussed is great because that individual can give the other students a realistic picture of what it is really like in terms of knowledge or skills required for the career.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
