buying in.... the buffet of knowledge
I like to use a little story I call "The Buffet". I will tell this story right after lunch on the first day of class. I like to start by asking the class if they had a good lunch. Then I start talking about how much I like going to a buffet for lunch because I get to eat as much as I like. In short, the story goes on about how I can never leave the buffet without overeating because I want to get my money's worth. I then relate that information to the school and how we are a buffet of knowledge. I tell them "It's your money, you paid for the buffet, it's time to overeat, grab a second plate."
Hi Christine
Education is like most things, you get out of it, what you put into it. Hard work normally produces positive results!
Patricia
That is a great way to emphasis the point that they will get as much as they want to out of school. Most people love to get a deal and when you put their education in that context it can make the point more clearly. sometimes I have a hard time getting my students to understand this point as they are often on the young side and therefore have very little life experience to realte to, but we all have fallen prey to the overfeeding at the buffet!
I can see the logic behind your story and I think it's wonderful. I am not quite sure if it would be a great motivator for most students. Most of the students I deal with, seem to have a lazy attitude toward money. Either, they are rich, or they have always had easy access to money. But, in general your story can be very affective
RW
Great analogy, Chuck! I use a similar approach, not the buffet idea which I think is much better, but similar in the angle I take during that first day. What I run into during the course could be described with your analogy as the ones who want to order off the menu and have it brought out the table. Our goal for these students should be to continue to keep them focused and reaching for long-term goals, both in the class and in their careers.
I like the Buffet Chuck.
It is vital to get your students to buy in as soon as possible, and get them involved in the learning process. I find that if the student knows what is coming and how they will be evaluated makes for a much more enjoyable experience for them and you the Instructor. But some students have short memories. You should reemphasis their responsibilities and your expectations through out the course.
