I teach English as well and I find that some students struggle with choosing the correct level of language for the situation (using slang instead of standard English in the business world, for example). I'll use incorrect language to get their attention and a good laugh as well.Sometimes I even find written examples in newspapers or magazines of poor spelling/grammar to show them.
To get students excited about a course, I review the topics that will be addressed in the course and share experiences that are related to it. I let them know some of the things they will get to do or practice and how it will prepare them to be successful in the field. I relate current topics to past topics or how it is a building block to future topics. Spark the interest and keep 'em wanting more.
I attempt to get students excited about course content by showing my own enthusiasm and passion for the material. I also try to give examples and when possible, real-life applications so that they can see the value in it.
Hi Misty,
I love your enthusiasm for the profession! All work and no play makes Johnny a dull boy! Continue to have fun while learning; students love it!
Patricia Scales
It is all in how you present your course. I make it fun by being fun. I make learning a game, almost a competition. There is always a reward day that comes at the end of a six weeks, if all of their work has been completed we spend the last day of that class either watching a movie, playing games or taking a field trip.
Hi Wayne,
Absolutely! We have to let our students know how the course is going to benefit them in their career.
Patricia Scales
Show them how it applies directly to the line of work (industry or discipline) they are studying.
I have found that this comes naturally when I speak about why I love to work in my field. As I express my own enthusiasm- what brought me to study in the first place, as well as what I have enjoyed as a licensed graduate, and what I am looking forward to learning this year (independently & with them)!! My students fall into the same amazed curiosity about what else is possible and where this career might lead them.
Kathy
Hi Andre,
I like the psychology here, "You are really going to get invovled." Students love it when we make learnining exciting. Excitement really begins witht the instructor.
Patricia Scales
I teach a number of different courses. To get students excited I attempt to create an environment of excitement from the beginning of the course and at the beginning of each class. This means frequently starting with this is a very interesting topic, you are going to really get involved. Therefore, no matter what the topic, students will be looking forward to their opportunity to be involved and engaged.
I like going over the syllabus and explaining to my students how the curriculum is directly useful in the workplace. Sometimes I share with them a story or personal experience that I have come across when working, and how my knowledge of the curriculum helped me out.
Hi Doretha,
Students love it when we share stories as to how they apply to the real world.
Patricia Scales
One key method I found that works for me to keep students excited,would be to discuss real life examples of the field and opportunities it offers. Making the information necessary and more understandable.
Hi Nelson,
Students love active learning, and they love visual as well. Students tend to retain more from doing and seeing.
Patricia Scales
Showing them 'hands on' models and radiographs that relate to the models
I teach English Composition. Many students dread the idea of writing; they've had bad experiences in the past or find it boring to write papers. I get students engaged by allowing them to pick their own topics for their papers and encouraging them to select topics that actually interest them. If students tell me that they can't think of anything that interests them, I suggest that they write about the best way to find a job in their field. I also have them discuss their research in class, which motivates them to do their research early and also lets them discuss topics of interest to them. As a result, I've had many students get quite involved in their papers and even go beyond the minimum page requirement.
It's important to establish a comfort zone with them immediately. I work hard to make each student feel good about contributing to our discussions. I also engage them in a variety of activities, including test cases, videos and a Jeopardy-style midterm review that pushes for competition, but still emphasizes learning.
Hi Ursula,
Students really do get excited when they know that they are going to have a guest speaker. Guest spakers bring book theory to real life.
Patricia Scales
I try to find out what the students' interests are and, whenever possible, gear their projects around those interests. Also, I talk about the guest speakers that we are planning to bring into the classroom and give a little background, so they are not only excited about meeting this person but can also do some additional research to find out what the guest speaker has accomplished in their field of study.
Hi Candace,
Tell students about how the courses tie together to keep the excitement generated!
Patricia Scales
