I show relevancy by bringing in sample projects as a case study to show how plans communicate ideas for contractors to build. I show the purpose of effectively communicating ideas in graphic form and explain situations that occur when communication is not clear. I next step could be to have each student build a small project with plans that don't effectively communicate an idea and then have them critique the information that could have / should have been provided for a more clear communication.
I teach a class called Career Management. Each assignemnt in this course is designed to give them a competitive advantage when it comes to the job hunt. I give them real life experiences of graduates who have been successfuly with their portfolios, interviewing, resumes, etc. Employers have give us compliments regarding graduate interviewing skills as well as the professionalism of the portfolio. This motivates the students to do well because in the long run, it will help them in their job search.
I often integrate documents from my career as real-world examples of how what we are learning translates. For example, when we discussed mobile advertising banners and their specifications, I was able to show a real media buy outlining the mobile ad specs for a client. I wanted to demonstrate to my students that the content we were discussing was knowledge they really may execute if they begin a career in this field.
I also plan to bring in guest speakers who are currently working in the industry and will be talking about their day jobs. Much of what they do on a day to day basis involve skills and topics we have discussed in class!
Hi Patrick,
Students get course relevancy when they understand how it applies to the real world.
Patricia Scales
I always relate our activities to real world scenarios. How this is practical in the work environment
I spent 12 years as a journalist, so I'm able in my grammar classes to impress upon students the importance of good writing. "In this day and age," I tell them," a well-written cover letter is the only chance you'll have to get your job application noticed. It's THAT important." That seems to deliver the message.
Before we begin a new course or subject I have a group discussion and ask students why they think this information is relevant. I have a thoughtful list of ideas to input to start the discussion if needed. I can access their background knowledge on the subject and encourage them to consider how this subject can apply to their career. We discuss how it could enhance their professional value as an employee.
By using course material that relates to their field of study, such as research assignments that deal with their field, or writing assignments and questions that are customizable to a student's field of study.
Hi William,
I love the idea of the physical evidence! A lot of students can use this to visualize themselves as a graduate! Super idea, and very motivating to students.
Patricia Scales
One of the ways I will show relevancy is to mention specific jobs that will employ the same skills that my students will be learning during the course. Giving them several examples of problems in their fields in which the same skills are used helps the students understand that they really need to be able to perform these skills.
Most of the courses I teach become relevant to the students because many of them are required to graduate and to successfully complete the program of study. So I try to show some physical evidence of a graduation ceremony ( a diploma, a picture of a graduate in mortarboard and gown)to remind them that successfully passing this class is a requirement for grauation.
Hi Katie,
I concur! Students do not need/want busy work! They need/want work that will be meaningful in the workplace.
Patricia Scales
I try very hard to point out information, techniques, and applications of information that will be used over and over when students are working in the field. I get many requests for hands on learning and application based activities. Students really "buy-in" when they know the information will have real world meaning.
Hi Christina,
It is good for everyone to be in the seat of the other person. It is good for educators to be in the students seat at times. We have more empathy/sympathy when we have experienced things.
Patricia Scales
I can show relevancy of the course by demonstrating how the subjects taught in the classroom or laboratory will apply to day to day office situatiosn. I have worked as a dental assistant for 29 years so I have many "stories" in which to draw from. I also use instances like the "rinsing of the mouth after anesthetic" by having the students squirt the anesthetic on their tongue (so those that may have never had a shot) can see how bitter that medicine is so they do not ever forget why they need to rinse that patients mouth. I think any time the operator can put themselves in the seat of the patient it can really turn those lightbulbs on!!
Christina
I teach writing to students at a career college. This one is a hard one.
Cover letters are a good one, and emails. I've been thinking of finding videos of office personal reading emails and not paying them any attention or making fun of what is misspelled. (I'm just a bad speller, too).
The most effective way that I can think of is to present the material/subject and reference that to an actual, real-world situation. Sometimes I like to lead off with the concept, while other times I prefer to lead off with the situation or problem.
For example, "...let's take a look at this {situation} that a client is experiencing and {then discuss}
or
"here's a concept that you need to know, now lets discuss a few examples of this as it is put into play in a real-world scenario".
What I have discovered is the more relevant the instructor makes the subject matter, the more engaged the students are, and ultimately the more likely they are to learn.
Hi Toni,
This is exactly what students need to know to understand the relevancy of the course.
Patricia Scales
I am an instructor of a massage therapy program. I give examples of how the information we are covering can be used in real work situations and to benefit their future clientele
Hi Roland,
You are on point! I concur! Experience is no doubt the best teacher! When you have been there and done that you can speak about it genuiunely!!
Patricia Scales
Well, first of all. Show and tell in the lab while I am reviewing my syllabus is a great idea.. 1. To help them clearing understand lab expectation. 2. Motivate and get then excited about the next 6 weeks of hard work they are going to do... Link it to how it relates to real life dentistry to give if validity.. Also, I love the talking (question) card idea.. That's as far as I am so far!!! The syllabus is not up to me and I wish I had more flexibility like you talk about in the class room like I use to.. I know it works soooo well!!!
