It will enhance their learning experience as there will be an excitement for them to see the real-world application of learned skills
Along the same lines, I am guessing that assigning projects which encourage the students to engage in field work would also help a lot.
Hi Timothy,
Thank you for these comments. They are right on in terms of how to keep students engaged and focused on the learning process.
Gary
Hi June,
They sure do. If they can see application and relevancy to what they are being taught then their motivation levels are going to be much higher. It helps them to connect the dots between their education and their future.
Gary
When students see the relevancy and application of what they have learned in class it creates a link between the what and the whys. In other words, students become motivated because they have created a connection between what they need to know and whay it is important. Students are successful the most when given the opportunity to apply what they have learned in various platforms in and outside of the class. This enhances their understaning and gives them a greater appreciation for the course content.
Students need to be able to relate the course content and practical aspect of their training to techniques (and outcomes) that they will be using in their chosen field.
The student must find the personal meaning and relavancy and application to what they are learnung. They must know about the practical application of the course. Knowing that they will be able to apply the knowledge to their future job related skills will help them to succeed.
It is important because unless a student believes in the relevancy and the application of the course then they will not put thier entire effort into the course.
For instance, when I have medical assistance students in my accounting 1 course they do not want to do the work until they understand the reasons and purpose why they as medical students need an accounting course.
Once they see the whole picture I have had students actually try to do a double major of medical assistant and accounting.
When students realize that what they are learning applies to them or their chosen field they are eager to learn and grasp what it taught.
By, Edwardo Mojena
Through what students learn and use to apply in the real world will help them succeed and keep them motivated to keep consistent in their application.
Relevancy and application motivates students to retain the information. If they can identify the importance of the concepts then they see the value in the information as it applies to their goals.
Hi Jacqueline,
Good comments that support the strategies I use to engage my students in my gen ed courses. I use them for the reasons you listed and am enjoying seeing the student grow as a result of the applications they with their newly acquired knowledge.
Gary
Thank you Dr. Meers. I work in an academic support role and find that students have the greatest difficulty with courses they need to be effective communicators and informed consumers. Giving math examples which include things like calculating discounts when shopping, balancing a budget, determining GPA, etc. is far more effective than abstract problems from a text book. Similarly, writing assignments that provide a purpose, such as writing a cover letter for a job application, provides a context for the students as well.
I have also found that many of my students respond from a social science perspective when approaching Criminal Justice and Business related courses. I like to use examples such as "sell me this pen..." to introduce the concepts and methods of persuasion. Students that often have trouble expressing themselves when approaching the idea as an "English" assignment, find its value when you propose it as a marketing concept, or using the psychology behind the argument.
Hi Jacqueline,
I like your observations and comments about the critical role that general education courses play in the educational process. I teach these courses so I know of which you speak. I work like you do to help the students to see the value that these courses offer to their futures.
Gary
The relevancy and application of what students learn is critical for student motivation. Students who operate in "silos," limiting their focus in each class to that specific topic, often struggle to succeed and rarely maintain enthusiasm for subjects in which they are not completely interested. Particularly in career colleges, students are eager to learn about courses within their major. The burden of motivation often falls on instructors who teach liberal arts or general education courses, so showing the value of these skills in order to get a job, and complete daily life tasks is important to keep students engaged.
It lets them see that the time they are putting into the class is actually worth something in regards to their future career.
Because it will inspire them to continue to press on when they see relevancy in what they are learning to what they want to do as a career.
Hi Sandy,
I understand your concern about their not seeing the future value of the interview with perspective employers. They are so ingrained to think like students they need to see point or grade values related to everything they do. I don't worry about that part of it. I give them the points because they do the work, get ready for the interviews so I get the behavior I want and they get the points they want. It is a win win for everyone.
Gary
Students that I have taught accounting to are usually interested in knowing how the technique applies in the real world. The students find having guest speakers come in and field trips to various businesses to be interesting.
I think it is important to have the students prepare for the guest speaker or the field trip; I encourage this behavior by telling the students, this could possibly be your opportunity to interview your future employer. I have the students prepare questions, asking their questions during the event, dressing professionally, and to be on time for the event. I have found all the preparation does provide a rewarding experience for everyone involved. However,the students are really motivated by the points awarded and this is the disappointing side of the whole process, without the points the students would not prepare for the event. My confusion is whether or not, the awarding of points, for this type of an event, is a positive or a negative reinforcement?
Hi Jonathan,
I can see that you are having a lot of success with your students by using the learning approach of making it personal for the students. That is what makes episodic memory/learning so powerful. The learner needs to personalize the new content and once that happens then the information is stored in working memory for use later on.
Gary
