buying in to the course
Early into the class establish the reasons students are in your class..the wheel turns so much more smoother.
Sonny,
Students need to understand the reason certain content and skills are taught. Once they do you have increased the value of the course for them. They start to see the ROI in terms of why they are in school and preparing for their career.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
So true! However, certain courses you have to provided the reasons why the course would be beneficial. You must make some statements and go with it with attitude and enthusiasm or buying power would be low.
Hi David,
This is especially true with adult vocational students who have been on the job before. they can spot it quite handily. I have had some work characterized to as busy work when it was part of the class learning objectives. After an explanation I then received the buy in.
C. Lindsay
David,
Nothing kills student enthusiasm like "busy work". You make a good point about why students need to know the "why" of what they are doing in a class.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I find this especially important in courses that get the reputation of being "busy work" among the student population. If they aren't told early on WHY the material is important, they'll never develop an interest in it.
David,
I like to incorporate this into my "meet and greet" phase and I let the students tell me (and each other) why they're in the class. Many may say that they need the course as a prerequisite for another or it's required for their degree plan. After several iterations, a pattern becomes apparent and I can then use that information to pass on to future generations so they realize they're not alone.
-Brian
David,
The more they see value in the course the more they will be likely to complete the class. You are right in your comment about helping students to see why they are in the course and how the course will help them achieve their career goals.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
