Interest in subject matter
What if the student is showing no genuine interest in the subject matter and states that they "just need a job" as the reason for the continuing education/career college choice?
I experience this with teaching speech because students don't see the value of it so it's my job to bring in stories, examples, questions, etc. to get them thinking about just how much they need this skill. Not only this it's the one skill that college graduates lack which is difficult to not have when looking for a job.
At any rate by showing them from a personal level why the skill is important and bringing it home to them where they are will make all the difference.
If I am not passionate about my topic or subject then why would they be?
I do hear this as well but I try to give real world examples as to why this information is important and why they need to know the information.
Hi Kate,
I teach a required general ed course where I face the same situation as you. I use a lot of case studies where students do write ups on proposed solutions. They like the case studies because they are fun to read and problem solve plus they like to write down their solutions. I also have them present verbally the solutions based upon their write ups. This combination of activities seem to really help keep them engaged. This is in addition to the content work we do in the course on a regular basis.
Gary
I'm struggling with this too -- I teach writing, which isn't directly involved some programs like accounting. I'm working to make my students understand that clear writing is essential in every field, but I'm struggling to motivate some students. Any suggestions on better ways to motivate students in a class that's less hands on than other classes in their field?
Hi Bobbi,
Excellent point. We all work too many years and too many hours to do something we don't like. I work on helping my students to do three things in relation to career selection. Make an informed choice (know what careers are out there), realistic selection (you have the abilities and intellect to do the career) and meaningful reward (get personal value from working in the career). If we can help our students to do this then we will have served in our roles of being mentors as well as instructors.
Gary
My typical answer is "what kind of job do you want?" I grew up in an area where coal mining/gasification was the typical career of most parents. They all HATED it. If students take control of their education and really take part, they can take control over their career. If students just do the work and take the first job that is offered to them, I highly doubt a large percentage will be happy. I know that a large amount of students who come to our school do so with having a career in mind, but I feel that it is my job to help them think a little bit differently about it. I think that students should take an active role in their futures and thinking about what they want to be. My main goal in all of my courses, aside from teaching the material, is to assist students in thinking a little bit differently about the world around them and to be active in their choices.
I would try and find out what particular field they wish to seek a job, and try and show relevance to their field of choice as it relates to the subject matter.
You need to figure out a way to motivate the student. Showing the student the positives of the course, how it can affect them and others. Seeing how the course can bebefit the student in the long run may also be the right motivation the stundent needs. Having them participate, sharing past experiences and other student enthusiasm may be just what they need.
Hi Brittany,
This is common for many students. Is there anyway that you can use some vet tech applications in the projects you assign the students? This way you are already bridging the gap between current courses and their future preparation.
Gary
I often have difficulty with that as well. I teach a general education course but all my students are in the vet tech field. So sometimes it is hard for them to understand why taking the course is beneficial to their future, when they wont see the importance first hand until a couple more classes down the line.
make a connection between the subject matter and real world activities in the workplace
Hi Pattie,
This is a student in need of some serious career counseling since the chances are pretty slim that he/she is going to be successful in their career area if they have such an attitude. I would try the individual counseling approach and see if the student will come around and if not I would do a referral to the student services office for some additional assistance.
Gary
I hear that a lot in my math class. I try extremely hard to try and apply the mathematics to things that are applicable to them.
