Because if students find that a particular topic or subject is going to be relevant in the "real world" then it seems as if it is bringing them closer to their job goals. That is why instructors with experience in the real life application of the subject should be a good instructor because they can also bring the stories of how the particular topic would apply.
If the student is truly in school to learn a new careet, when they see how to apply their learning to on-the-job activities, they get excited about their career choice. I love being able to share examples of "in the field" happenings and applications to help motivate my students.
They see themselves using the newly learned training and skills in helping them to be successful in the industry.
Bob,
Two powerful words for students. Application and relevancy. By showing both of them to your students you are engaging them in creating a future for themselves and their families.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
It reinforces the ultimate goal of why they chose to come to school. They can see that what they are being taught in class will benefit them in the future. They will be reminded that what they are getting now can be used to achieve future goals as a result of the education they are receiving.
Jerrod,
They need to see relevance and application if they are to be successful. Part of an instructor's job is to "connect the dots" between the classroom/lab and the work world. When this is done the motivation level of the students increases as does their success.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Paul,
I am always surprised by students that tell me that what I taught them in class is actually true and that they are using this information in their work. Surprise! This is why we teach the content we do because this is the information they need for career success. I bring in graduates to tell my current students about the value of the content so this validates what I am teaching the current students.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I find that 90% of my students only get motivated when they can see what they will gain from this knowledge. By relating the outcomes of the course to how it will benefit them gives them extra drive to accomplish more.
That is ideally our goal right? If we can consistently do that, we will have win/win learning situations. I routinely have students come back to class after externship and tell me that the things we taught them were true and now so obvious to them.
Roger,
Application and relevancy are two critical components of learning and when students can use both in their lives as a result of what they have learned they see the ROI of being in school.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
If they can see it will work in daily life they can find value in what they are learning
For students to internalize and have new information be useful in their field they must be able to see how the information applies to their own life experiences. When they do it makes a difference and they continue to grow. They, in turn, become a greater contribution to others in their lives.
It is motivating for students to see the relevancy and application of what they are learning because that is what makes learning so exciting -- when you can actively use what you have studied. Oftentimes, students do not care for certain math classes because they do not see how the mathematics will ever fit into their lives. But when a student is learning something like how to cook and bake, the applications are almost too obvious, so the learning process is more exciting. An instructor should show students how the materials studied matter in real life. This is one of the best motivating techniques, particularly for older students because it gives meaning and purpose to their hard work. Finally, instructors should guide students to discuss the material being covered and allow students to incorporate their own experiences into the discussions in order to enrich the lessons.
When students get to see their “knowledge in action†they actually get excited about what they’ve been learning. When they can carry out a task that they’ve only ever read about they feel a lot more confident in their abilities and even the idea of going to school.
Jessica,
A strategy I would try is to assign a topic that is personal to each student. Talk with them and get their ideas for a paper that will be seen as having value to their lives and the information can be used outside of the classroom.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Students like to see that their knowledge will have a direct application to their professional and/or personal lives. When they make this "Ah-ha" connection, they are motivated to continue because it can help increase confidence and self-esteem.
As an English Writing teacher, it is sometimes difficult to get students to see the relevance and application of writing a research paper. What would you recommend as a good way to increase student buy-in to the writing of a research paper in a career college classroom setting?
Evelyn,
Application and relevancy are two essential parts of learning. They both need to be present if students are going to remain engaged and focused. You make a good point about how valuable these concepts are to learners.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Students must see teh relevancy of what they are learning because that is what most likely what they came to school for. Students who attend career colleges come to aquire new skills for a job and they must know how these skills can be applied to the workplace. If the course material isn't relevant to their field then they will feel it is a waste of time to learn it. It's important for instructors to give examples and show students how they will use what they learn in the real world.
Tony,
Bringing in a graduate is a good idea because it shows the current students what the next step can be for them. They need to see examples of success so they will continue to work hard at achieving success in each of their classes.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Robert,
Students really like case studies, and stories about real life situations. They help to make real what they are learning. They get them excited about entering the field and having some of these same experiences.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
