Hi Sharon,
Your belief is correct. Students like to hear stories of our experiences and how we were able to make it in our field. These stories really help to reinforce the concepts we are teaching them in the class.
Gary
I believe students really enjoy hearing life experiences, things that happened when you were working in the field, they will relate to sujects better
Talking with students about how you, personally, use the skills you are teaching them, not only helps them respect you as the instructor, it gives them a taste for how those skills work outside of the school setting. They can see that what you teach is not all smoke and mirrors, but real and true.
using life experiences helps put life in what you are teaching. A lot of times you are teaching them & they don't even know it.
As a Program Director, I've had many students that don't have confidence in themselves and don't feel they can be successful. I've shared my own life experiences and encouraged them they can be successful too. They can overcome anything if they allow themselves too.
I agree~! I use them quite frequently. The students really seem to enjoy them. Many of my personal life examples involve actual patients in the healthcare field that I have run into. It really helps them apply why the subject material is important for them to learn!
As do I after 20 years. I find that sharing those stories is a sure way to encourage meaningful conversation and spur their memories about personal experiences which they are eager to share. It is an extremely effective learning tool. Particularly educational as well as entertaining are my stories of the mistakes that I have made along my journey.
Hi Joe,
This is a good way to get everyone comfortable and to establish yourself as the class leader. You are helping to set the stage for their success so they need to have confidence in your ability and respect for your knowledge.
Gary
I think that at the onset of every class you should have a relaxed aprouch to make the students feel welcomed . and then bring in examples with various questions directed at them that will allow them to motovate themselves .
I have been a nurse for 31 years and have many stories to tell.
Hi David,
Good point. We are role models and need to always remember that. As result we need to monitor our behavior, conversations and interactions so we reflect our field in the best light.
Gary
Students want to be like you! or...they want to be like how they think you ought to be... :)
Use personal experiences to show them what it's like to be you and do what you do (which is what they want to do)
In my Law and ethics class, there are alot of real life experiences, some good and bad. The students can then apply the "real-life" experience to the lecture.
I think it is essential, to have fun and teach what you need to.
Hi Fedele,
Good point. This is why it is so important to earn the respect of your students. This will help with the development of rapport learning to increased engagement in the learning process by students.
Gary
I feel that when the students know you better they are more relaxed and more accepting to the information you are giving them.
