Erie Hill

Not all of the subjects that we teach can be related to life experiences. An example might be pharmacology and microbiology.It is sometimes difficult to stimulate interest in these dry subjects.

Ed Romanowski

I agree with Mr.Diaz. Each student has thier own
individual talents, some are more talented than
others. I teach welding and I have had students
who pick it up fast. I have had others who have a
very hard time with it and want to give up. I
keep encouraging them. When they do eventually get it they are like a whole new person. It is as
rewarding for me when they get it as it is for
them. I never give up on anyone.

Eva De Dominicis CHEP

I tend to acknowledge my students as people by letting them know that I as well as them have a life outside of the classroom. On the first day, I let my students know that if the need to take/make a phone call, have a conversation with someone in class, leave etc. during class time, they can go outside & do so. I know that life happens when we are trying to make plans & that is why this strategy tends to ease a few worries & fears they might have about being in class. They also have to understand that they will be held responsible for any missing material/assignment.

John Carpenter

Your post brings up an interesting thought, Sarah...

Why do students so frequently feel that some subjects are more relevant to their life experiences than others? Personally, I wonder if so much time is spent in detail on individual topics that students fail to see the bigger picture and understand how their current learning relates to everything they've learned before and will learn after.

Shouldn't all topics be of so much interest to the instructor that we can help students see the relevance of their life experiences in all of them?

Enrique Diaz CHEP

Also each student brings their own personal talents, which need to be apreciated and used in a meaningful way.