Not to argue semantics, but some time ago in our institution we stopped making a distinction, at least in talking with the students, between the classroom and "the real world". For the student, the classroom is "the real world", and language making a distinction between the two can come of as belittling or patronizing.
Instead, using "the professional workplace" or something like the same can have the same meaning without the negative secondary reads.
Does anyone find such a distinction worthwhile?
Hi Jennifer,
Students are very receptive to real-world examples. Any time a student can visualize a situtation great excitement occurs.
Patricia
To get students excited and motivated to learn the topic, I apply it to the real world. As a Veterinary Technology instructor, I will start out by discussing a real world situation that applies to what we are learning. They can get a mental picture of how they will be applying the information. I feel as if this gets them excited about the topic because it is something they will encounter in their career daily.
Jennifer Thompson, B.S., R.V.T
Hi Steven,
I fully understand the examples, and at times situations do need to be dealt with on their own merit. Some students genuinely have a valid reason, others make up lame excuses. The instructor has to use his or her own discretion to evaluate various situations.
Patricia
Big difference between a reason and an excuse. Situations will dictate what to focus on. In my school there are residents and commuters. A student who arrives late every day from a dorm room on the 5th floor usually has an excuse. A commuter who travels over an hour through downtown rush hour traffic after working a fulltime job more often than not has a reason they arrived late. Each situation needs to be dealt with on there own merits.
Hi Luis,
I could visualize exactly what you've given as your response. I bet this really gets your students motivated and excited.
Patricia
Hi Luis,
What a great way to make things feel very real!
Patricia
I create a learning place for students, that is very much like the real world on a daily basis. I challenge students with daily practical assesments they will face working out in the business, teaching them that at any given moment, the skills they are learning will need to be applied.
Hi John,
Absolutely! Excuses will not be tolerated in the workplace. We need to instill this concept in our students.
Patricia
