I have tried to bring in as many diverse materials as possible, so that my students have many aspects to practice and to choose from for gaining speed or accuracy. The different types of materials keeps them focused.
I have also brought in specific job-related material/jargon, etc., so they can gain actual knowledge and experience now and not have to wait for that on-the-job experience. This has given them great insight as to what to expect when they actually get there once they complete their academic courses.
Since they will be dealing with a diverse group of people from many walks of life, I have brought in background information, customs, to cover different groups of people and so that the students will be prepared and have a better understanding of what to expect.
I attempt to relate the content to their degree and course of study. I will also use real life examples from my experience as a nurse to show them the reality of the content. Anatomy & Physiology is much easier to draw them in then something like Medical Law & Ethics which tends to be more dry. In medical law & ethics, I will bring in real ethical issues we are facing in the medical field today and that may affect them. It seems to work.
Sara Donevant
I try and relate it to their career choice and how this is crucial to them attaining a job. Also, with anatomy & physiology, teaching them how and why their bodies work the way they do generally gets their attention.
Sara Donevant
I think having enthusiam as an instructor gets the class excited. If you don't like the class they won't either. Have fun, make every skill useful.
I talk $ to the students. This is one of your money makers. Learn how to do this and you will not be out of a job. Learn to do this and you will understand how it all works which makes you valuable and that comes back to you.
Hi Lynn,
I like your outlook about teaching. I like the enthusiasm you have for the profession as well. We should never slight our students because we are having a bad day. Our students deserve our best at all times.
Patricia
No matter how my day is going I always walk into the classroom smiling and saying hello to everyone. Also staying upbeat and positive is a key factor. When reviewing the course content I explain that the adult learner learns by incorporating many different styles such as visual, kinestetic and auditory. Something for everyone! And I remind them that what works for 1 person might not work for them all.
I try to discuss real life situations where the students can apply the information they are learning. The difficulty can be where there is a lot of information that needs to be taught in a relatively short period of time.
Sharing personal stories about how I use the information being taught in my life helps. Also in addition to the powerpoints, my scetches on the dry erase board appears to really help keep their attention.
Hi Paul,
If you do this I am sure you using a very calming approach to giving a test, I assume upon the first meeting. This approach can be intimidating if it is not handled correctly.
Patricia
Start off with a "test" that evaluates their knowledge of the course and gives them an idea about what is going to be learned in the class.
Hi Jerry,
Once students learn how they can utilize the information, they get a great interest in the course.
Patricia
Hi James,
If it works continue to use it! I have been taught to cater to the auditory, visual, and kinesthetic learners. Old school instructors/teachers are known to be some of the best!
Patricia
I agree but there is a fine line that istructors need to walk when it comes to presentation, body language and enthusiasm. Becomiong friends with the students is not part of the lesson outcome.
As I replied in a previous posting, helping students understand the 'applied' aspect of the knowledge and skills they will learn - helping them actually visualize or listen to a graduate currently in the field energizes students.
I believe the instructor's presentation, body language and enthusiasm are critical to getting students involved. Of course, anything can be overdone, reading the class dynamics is also critical.
I began my teaching career in the U.S. Air Force in 1975 or 1976, so I guess that puts me in the "old school" set! In those days, we didn't have the different categories of learners that have since evolved, so I never did get into categorizing students. The Air Force's approach in education was to appeal to as many senses as possible to maximize the learning experience for each student. As a result, I try to incorporate methods which appeal to as many students as possible and get them involved as much as I can. This approach has proven successful for me over the years.
Hi Mary,
These are great ways to generate excitement!
Patricia
Hi James,
Excitement shown from the instructor is a must because excitement should start at the top. Students should not be able to tell that you do not care to teach a particular class.
Patricia
