Hi Brad L,
Students need to know justification as to how they are going to benefit from the course either personally/professionally.
Patricia Scales
Hi Eric,
Absolutely! We have to let our students know how the course will benefit them in their career.
Patricia Scales
Hi Erika,
Students love hearing stories as they apply to their career/course content.
Patricia Scales
I am using a lot of personal examples, all kind of different interesting stories
The strategies that I use for getting by in from my students is trying to explain why the material in the course is relevant to everyday life. This would include their personal and professional life. I bring in examples from my own career and life. I try to give true reason and true life examples. I share with them that the material is lifelong knowledge and will be carried with them throughout their professional careers. This is the career path that they have chosen and I will do what I can to help them achieve their goals.
When describing the course and going over the syllabus, I need to justify the reason why this course, and even a topic within a course, is important. This give justification to students why they are there and why they need to be there as well as the importance of the course in their careers. I can also fill in how this course can be used in towards their career and how I have used concepts from the course in my career.
You can get buy in from students by making sure they understand how the course material is relevant to the workplace and their career
I let students know how the information learned in the course will actually benefit them in the real-world. Usually, I have personal stories to help students see this. In a career college, this is usually enough to get their buy in, because the end goal is to be in the professional world.
Start with an engaging activity and set up a motivational device; Catching students’ attention and keeping them interested in learning will make them feel part of the activity. It is also important to explain the applicability of the content knowledge to real life situations so that they understand that acquiring this knowledge is useful and will help them to solve problems in the future.
Hi Kathaleen,
You really get your students involved, and they really have a say. I am more controlling. I make the decision, and if there are any problems I work with the student(s).
Patricia Scales
I always try to show them how learning a topic will help them in the future. For example, I tutor students in their general education coursework. Sometimes, it can be difficult because they want to focus on the classes in their major and they have no interest in general education. I explain to students that employers are looking for someone who is well rounded in all areas not just their particular subject matter. I am tutoring math students now and we are discussing percentages. I explain how percentages apply to interest rates and being knowledgeable in this can help their financial futures.
When we discuss where we are going during the term I often will say "does anyone see any potential conflicts in the calendar?" We can all then discuss if there are issues and also it lets them see that I am willing to admit if I have made an error or if there is room to make changes. If we have to change a class session for any reason - for example, unexpected campus closure due to visit from our president - I will have everyone look at the date in question, how are we going to get the material covered, do we need to change any exam dates, etc. We will then discuss options, giving everyone a chance to make suggestions. Then we will usually do an informal vote to make the change - then I always wrap that up with "does anyone have any real objections to these changes?" Most of the time no one really does and the changes are accepted. I think this helps the students realize that they are a very vital part of our class - that it really is THEIR class. I will usually joke and say something like "see - sometimes we are a democracy in here." Because these are adult learners we have to treat them as such. I'm curious to see other strategies.
Hi Albert,
Students really do feel a sense of owernship when they have a say, and they will buy in when they feel as though what they have to say matters.
Patricia Scales
When I go over my syllabus on day one, I actively solicit input from students. We discuss assessments dates, assignments, grading criteria, and the overall "flow" of the class. I ask them what would they like to change, what makes more sense to them. Maybe spend more time on a certain topic? I always get lots of enthusiastic ideas! I take their input seriously and have initiated many of the suggestions they have made.
I have found that by doing this, students feel involved in their education, it gives them some say in how things are done.
This makes my students much more comfortable in class. They now are very willing to "buy in" to my design of the class...after all, they've had input!
Al D'Addario
Hi Kimberly,
It makes perfect sense and students understand the benefit when they know how the course is going to apply to their career. Adult learners have to know what is in the course for them.
Patricia Scales
Hi Michael,
It truly makes a difference when you solely believe in what your school does. I can tell from your response that you are really into teaching. Students will definitely buy into a course when they know how it will affect them personally/professionally.
Patricia Scales
Erica I agree. When we incorporate real life examples and related scenarios students can better relate to how the course materials will apply to their work experiences and professional practices. Additionally, interactive discussions on how students would incorporate a specific subject matter in their anticipated profession (i.e., the application of OSHA regulations in a medical/clinical laboratory) also helps students to envision a practical application.
I build value in the course by explaining how the five Student Learning Outcomes developed by our school can affect their entire career and personal life. I do this with passion and enthusiasm because I believe it. I also share some anecdotal experiences from my career with my students.
Hi Andrew,
Awesome ways to get students excited about the course. Students like to know how the course is going to benefit them.
Patricia Scales
Hi Jason,
Students tend to buy in when they can apply what they have learned, therefore hands-on activities are crucial. I also make mention of how the concept will help them on the job.
Patricia Scales
