Student practical application
W.I.F.M. What's in it for me. When teaching anything always tell them whats in it for them. Why it's important. How it applies to thier daily life. At this point you'll get the buy in you need from them for the rest of the material you've yet to present.
Hi Anna,
You are fortunate to be able to teach in such a setting. You are able to show your students the workings of the real world while they are still in the classroom. This should be valuable to them as they transition out into employment.
Gary
I teach a Pharmacy Technician course and I keep my students engaged with lots of hands on activities.Our lab is actually set up like a pharmacy they get to do everything that they will actually be doing in there new career. That really keeps them engaged and very motivated.
Hi Michele,
I think this is a great project. Your students get to use their skills as well as share their lives and goals. This is a win win for everyone.
Gary
I teach Microsoft Office applications. Our final projects for each of the modules (Word, Excel and especially Power Point) were directed to their favorite things or telling me about them and their career goals. In the final Power Point project (that was used as their final for the module) the students were asked to create a presentation that talked about their education (what classes they have taken, what their career goals are, their major, their graduation date, GPA, etc.) It was not only fun to see the presentations and where my students wanted to go and what they have accomplished so far in their education but was a good opportunity for them to add a item to their e-portfolio that they can share with potential employers when they are asked "tell me a little bit about yourself."
Hi Anna,
What are some ways you share your course goals with your students? How do you get them engaged in the learning process as a result of sharing the course goals?
Thanks in advance for your input on this.
Gary
Giving the students goals to strive for helps them to push along
The W.I.F.M. approach is an excellent way for all couses to be taught. Once a student knows that what they are learning will carry them throughout the career choice and life path that they chose.They become more aware of the material and will absorb what is presented and then look ahead at the rest to be prepared for any or all discussions and ask question. Being vested in the subject makes it their own. They now own the course.
I completely agree because then students feel invested in whatever you are teaching. For example, they may not want to learn how to create a PowerPoint presentation-however when they find communication skills are esssential to career placement they work harder and are interested in learning more.
It always seems like if you can find a fun approach that offers a hands-on component you will keep their interest longer and get them to really learn.
Love the WIIFM approach!
