Getting Students to see the value in a course not related to their major
The first day of class I always go over the syllabus, which includes grading, course objectives, assignments etc. I teach Career Development, which each student is required to take towards the end of their program. Many of them come in with a negative perception of the course. Many do not think it should be required and will not be a useful class because they know how to make a resume, or they've interviewed before, etc. I begin the class by saying, I'm not assuming you know nothing about the job search. I know there are things we will do in this class that you've done before. But through this class you will gain additional resources on the job search, and ideas on how to improve your job search skills. I find that, addressing it the first day will take care of the complaints later on.
Teaching Math, espcially algebra, for paralegal, court reporting, security investigation students has been a challenge for me to relate the material to their chosen career fields. Anything beyond the basic addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division is like pulling teeth. However, I do my best to relate the material to the students' lives if not their chosen career. For example, when discussing about positive and negative numbers, I relate the students to their personal finances. Spending and debts are negative. Savings and earnings are positive. Students often light up when money is mentioned.
Hi Mark,
Whenever you can apply a concept to real life students tend to grasp the concept quickly. They gain a better understanding when the concept is made real.
Patricia
I agree with Walter. There are commonalities in almost everything. I teach computer related courses and try my best to tie it into something that is more easily related or of interest to each class (on a unique and individual basis) at that particular time, it is taught.
For example, when teaching how to set up directory filing in a computer operating system, last winter, we based our filing system upon the football league assignments of teams with divisions, conferences, and league. It made it easier for the students to grasp.
I teach law and ethics, my students many times don't understand why they need to take the course as they may be music majors or English majors. I explain that law and ethics affects every aspect of their lives and in particular in their chosen profession. I give examples of how law and ethics can conflict or complement each other. I have them to find real world examples in news articles that illustrate the point.
