Hi William,
The bottom line is to give the students what they really need to know to be successful. Continue to keep your students' success at heart.
Patricia
I go over each chapter or section of the course and briefly explain what they will learn and what they really need to know to be successful.
Hi Charles,
I have many hands-on learners as well. I try each day to include activities that will reach all learners.
Patricia
Hi Kristen,
Students like seeing the end product. Continue to excite your students so that they can see the big picture.
Patricia
I teach computer software to Interior Design students, so I show them finished examples of what they will learn in my class. They are always excited after seeing the examples and ready to learn. I then explain that for them to get the full benefit of the class, they have to follow the course requirements.
A large percentage of my students are tactile learners.
I use pass around parts related to the lesson to keep them engaged with each chapter.
I like to share personal,real experiences I have witnessed to make the class content more relevent and to show students how it will apply to them in their new job in the industry.
GW
I usually start by recounting some personal stories from my experiences that relate to the actual class that they are beginning to undertake. I try to evoke my passion for my business and this usually spills over into the class and gets some really interesting dialogue going. I try to draw paralells from real life and how it affects classroom instruction.
Teaching Hydraulics generally on the first day i take my students to the lab and demonstrate an excavators hydraulic capabilities and accuracy. after demonstration I generally put students in the seat and show them the controls and let them get a feel for the machine and its functions. Then returning to the classroom I begin explaining why we are going to take an in depth look at hydraulics. I find this is a most successful way of approaching my course to peak their interest and curiosity.
Hi Misty,
Students want to know the "WIFM". Once students understand the "WIFM", they generally do what it takes to be successful.
Patricia
Hi Kris,
Students love it when you include real world examples. They are so interested, they sit on your tonsils. :-)
Patricia
Talk about real world examples and how the course relates to them.
I definately give them the "WIFM" (What's in it for me) explanations. Trying to tie the course material in with its applications with their goals generates some excitement. To understand it we go through it like that in detail and I'll ask them individually what their interpretation of it is.
Hi Anthony,
Nicely said. What great ways to use to get students interested and involved.
Patricia
Hi William.
I can tell you put a lot of time in getting prepared and making sure your students succeed and fully understand everything. I like the idea of the class information sheet that goes into more details.
Patricia
Some of the methods I use are; trying to relate course content to real world situations, sometimes extreme to show the ultimate potential. I ask them about their interest in the subject, so I can use that to shape my discussions. I try to show enthusiasm to also try and get them excited about the subject. I feel if you are passionate about a subject they can read it, and it can make them more excited about it. The students can see right through someone just going through the motions.
I use differing mnethods for different classes. For some I refer them to a photo blog I keep of prior classes - this lets them see the types and quality of preparations they will be expected to produce, and since we are talking food here it is rather easy to get them looking forward to tasting.
Other classes are introduced with anecdotes involving benefits accrued by myself and other instructors from possessing a certain skill set. Desriptions and demonstrations set the bar.
With sanitation classes it is just the opposite - we need to generate an understanding of the down side (potentially devastating) of not working to a high professional level.
Course requirements are spelled out clearly in the syllabus but each instructor also generates a class information sheet re-enforcing the syllabus and enhancing with even more specific details, including availability of tutoring, Instructor contact information and all project assignments.
Hi George,
Including the relationship to the real world is definitely a way to get students interested and involved. Students love to know how whatever they are learning will relate to the real world.
Patricia
Hi Mike,
Based on your energy level, students can determine if you enjoy teaching the course. Always stay enthusiastic.
Patricia
I try to energize the class with passion for the course material. I remain upbeat and set clear expectations.
