Making sure students get the objectives done.
One of the courses I teach is not readily apparent in its usefulness in the field (music). To overcome this early on, I ask the students in the first class how they think this topic applies to their ultimate goal.
Then we discuss it. During the discussion I give personal examples, as well as draw on professional examples of how the subject matter relates to real-world usefulness.
By the end of the discussion, they're usually excited to get on with the actual learning!
If course buy in means getting students interested. I like to show the students how the course can be fun and interesting by showing how the course content applies to the real world. Since I teach in the IT field, I demonstrate to them how their new knowledge of computers can apply to recreational/fun, home and career business activities. These attributes are all part of my course outline which I continue to develop with respect to the syllabus.
Hi Pamela,
I have experienced with Keyboarding that a lot of students come in knowing the "why" of the course, but as you do I still express why the course is so beneficial both personally/professionally. Almost everyone understands the importance of typing in today's time. It certainly is the foundation for technology.
Patricia
I simply would ask them what they think about a particular question or statement related to the text. Having them use reasoning skills and past experiences to help answer or solve a question
A good way to get buy in is for the course to simply make sense to the students. I teach keyboarding. I always on the first day explain that keyboarding is a school requirement and I bet they will be able to use this skill in their what ever job they get. ( I talk about various jobs and various forms they will have to fill out, as employees, citizens or parents ) But, then I ask them them "how else are you going to use this skill" -- We talk about e-bay, about social networking and about emails and about texting and about how keyboarding is the basis for all of this technology and they need to improve this skill. So, I think my students "buy in to it"
Then though out the term---I also discuss in detail how to correctly do an email and how to correctly apply for jobs online or any other application online. . . . so the student sees first hand the "why" of the course
Things you typically do to get the students to see the importance/purpose of the course so that they are eager to learn it.
Patricia
Hi Florita,
Students want and need to fully understand what the purpose of the course is. Students need to understand how they are going to benefit from the couurse in their career.
Patricia
Hi James,
You are right! We have to help our students keep their eyes on the prize. Students need to be able to see that there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
Patricia
Hi Tiffany,
I also like to share with students how they can use what is learned in the classroom on the job to get buy in from the students.
Patricia
Hi Hilary,
I like using classified ads to show jobs that are related to their field, and I also like to mention the potential income in the field every opportunity I get.
Patricia
I think that using tangibles is extremely important in student but in. If the students cannot relate or grab at the subject matter then they are going to have a harder time processing as well as applying the subject matter to the work world, which is the reason that they are in a career college environment in the first place. Uses of instruments from the field, demonstrations and key speakers will give them something to look forward to and keep them bought in. What are some other examples?
Having open discussions about whatever the subject matter is for that day. By open discussions I mean the students are actively participating in a dialoge with each other, not just me talking to them.
Goal setting that allows the student to visualize themselves graduating and workink successfully in the feild of study helps the student buy in.
Hi Patricia. I would first go through the syllabus with the students, and elaborate on the course's purpose with examples they might come across in their practical career field.
I dont know what you are asking me please explane
Thanks Mike O
The first day of the class is crucial. Most of the students in my class are not computer literate. They came in with defensive attitude and, of course, nervous. I introduce myself by handshaking one student at a time. This technique takes right away the defensive attitude and replaces with a smile on their on their face. Then I go through the syllabus page by page. First I go through class policy, then assignment due dates, and so on. I hope i answer your question. Thanks.
Although I have passed this course. I have noted that if I am available and work with the students and staff at the clinical setting that the students seem to appreciate it by saying so. (I imagine that they are not all "apple polishers." Dale
Hi Karl,
Students need to understand what is in the course for them. Great list you have compiled to get buy in from students. Students want to know how the course is going to apply to their career.
Patricia
Give the students a reason to learn
Let them know the information and skills being presented will help them on their career path
Give examples of applications of skills
Let them know that their efforts will pay off and the course is worth their time
