I relate personal experiences I have had in the work place that pertain to the course content. This gives the students a peek at what they will be doing as well as establishing my experience in the field.
Me too. Lots of examples showing them how the subject applies to the real world. I also balance entertaining and discipline on the first day. That way the understand that the class will be fun, but they have to do the work.
Hello Laura,
What a nice little personal tactic. Students love it whenever they know they have a voice.
Patricia
Hi Steven,
Students want to know how a particular concept is going to help them in their chosen field of study once they begin employment. Students are generally very interested whenever you talk about on the job performance.
Patricia
Hi Billy,
Students appreciate the heads up. I've had students to thank me for various heads up. We must continue to put our students first by providing heads up.
Patricia
letting them know what is expected, and what they will be doing,gives them a heads up.
I talk about the overlap between what we are going to do in the course and what happens in a job in this career field. Usually, I explain the common functions someone in this type of job performs on a day-to-day basis, and how the different items we learn in class either directly apply or how it helps them find the most efficient solution. Currently, jobs are harder to get than they were a couple of years ago, so being able to explain, or better yet, demonstrate, to a prospective employer than you can do the job gives them an advantage over someone who isn't quite sure.
Many of my students have been in my previous classes. I send them an E-mail letting them know how excited I am about the new course & giving them a little preview of what they will be covering. I also try to solicit feedback asking them what they hope to learn in the course.
Hi Earl,
You're right, student need to know on Day 1 all of the course requirements. Also having a visual for students to see is always interesting and exciting. Students enjoy visual aid.
Patricia
Hi Alan,
It is important for students to know the relevance of the course. Student MUST understand how the course is going to help them in their field of study once they graduate.
Patricia
I usually start by asking them what they think the course is about. This way I see if they have any preconceived notions on where the course could be heading. I then show examples of work that can help them visualize what the course is about.
I think the best way to get students to get excited about and understand course requirements is to take the time to explain everything right off the bat. I also find it helpful to show pictures of example cakes (I teach a Pastry class) that we are going to make, as well as explaining the techniques we will be learning from each cake. This seems to help students understand why we are making certain things, even if they don't care for the final product personally.
Hi Luis,
It is a great motivator to have students imagine themselves in their new chosen position. By imagining it helps students keep their eyes on the prize.
Patricia
Hi Judith,
If a student understands the relevance of the course and how he or she can apply it, there becomes an automatic interest.
Patricia
Hi Myra,
I like how you put the emphasis on producing GREAT employees, and how seriously you take you position, by stressing the ceritification exam. I can tell you want the VERY best for your students.
Patricia
Hello Vincent,
It sounds like you know how to keep your students engaged. You are on point, the voice does need to project, and students will continue to keep coming back if they are having fun while learning.
Patricia
engage them, they are adults treat them as such. be loud use humor and have fun they will become involved and learn more and be involved.
I tell them my job is to help them become great employees - not just employees, but GREAT employees. My job is also to help them pass their certification exam because they cannot work in their chosen profession without that.
My syllabi clearly state how many points are in the course and how they are distributed, what the major assignments are and how they will be graded, including the rubric. We go through the syllabus the first day of class, so there is no excuse for students not understanding the requirements.
Make it meaningful and applicable to them.
I use real life examples based on My own experience. Using moments that have shaped My growth, challenges and how I have overcome them. If you get students to imagine themselves in the position they hope to one day have Now, by setting the standard early, they perform at that level and dont go below it in class.
