Hi Joseph,
Communication is key just for life in general both personally and professionally.
Patricia
I always use relevance to how the material can be used in a practical way in their work lives and/or personal lives.
Sometimes we must do certain things in our lives, not because we want to, but because we need to, to get to where we eventually want to be. I feel that older adult learners (35+) have a greater understanding of this concept than the younger students in their 20's or just out of high school.
If we can teach patience and persistence to the younger adults, it is a great gift, and a very valuable life skill. As an instructor at a technical school I always try to emphasize that willingness to positively do one's required work, first in the classroom and next on the job, is a highly valued skill from an employer's perspective.
I try to bring in professional experiences I've had as often as possible to support and justify the points I make to my students. There are a lot of things we must all do on a daily basis that, on the surface, we may not fully understand, but there is a reason behind them, and they are requirements nonetheless. When convincing students they must wear their badges, I share with them that I don't particularly like wearing a necktie either, but in the grand scheme of things we must choose our battles.
Stress the fact that effective communication is not only important in their careers but also in all their relationships. Marriage, Children,and friends. I have seen many relationships destroyed due to a simple misunderstanding in some communication.
Have them search for examples of poor communication in advertisements, memorandums, news articles, etc. I sometimes play a game called Cranium, which is about communicating in various ways without using words.
Point out the relevance of topics to their everyday lives. For example, basic chemistry lessons can point out the relevance of certain gases such as CO2, methane, oxides of nitrogen, and others, to global climate change, which affects all of us and helps students gain a global perspective on important issues. It may also inspire them to become more responsible citizens.
To get buy in by students I attempt to have them relate the new material they are learning to their prior knowledge.
I use a brainstorm on a given prompt, show a picture related to course material, or even ask if a student may want to discuss their real-life experience related to the course.
I also try to stress the fact that what they are learning will be of direct use in their career.
What are other ways that people taking this course get student buy-in?
I agree that you must be excited to there and teaching the subject. The students can instantly see thru you if you do not show that energy and interest in your subject.
I try to give examples of real life experiences that relate to the subject matter at hand
I teach a prepatory english class and the material-grammar exercises and writing essays-is usually a pretty dry topic. I love the subject matter because the written word holds awesome power. My students don't understand how effective communication, both orally and written, is crucial thier success.Do you have an ideas and how to make grammar more exciting than watching grass grow?
I always try to accentuate the practicality of the course and how they will use it every day in their careers and their everyday lives. I try to be clear about expectations and what I expect them to learn and why. Giving examples of the practical uses they will have for things they will learn in the course is also effective in making them see the importance of the class.
not sure what you mean by : "get course buy in from your students" please explain.
Thank you.
Hi Cassie,
Students really get it when you make it applicable to the real world, and I like how you add even more flavor to the course by bringing in guest speakers.
Patricia
During the syllabus introduction the concept of a compact is espoused, i.e. a simple "If and then arrangement" e.g. If you complete these set of tasks then you'll pass this course . . . That way there's no BS'ing, no salesmanship required, IIWII (It is what it is).
Hello!
I am a big advocate for relevance. I teach mainly English courses and try to establish how the student will use the material in the "Real World." For example, if a student cannot communicate themselves effectively in his/her writing, then how can the student write a resume? Email? PowerPoint? Without proper writing skills, a student might not be able to fulfill job responsibilties. I incorporate several "real world" assignments such as cover letters, professional emails, or even presentations that pertain to their program. I also bring in guest speakers who can show the students how writing is involved every day in the professional world.
Hi Phil,
Some courses are a lot easier to get buy in from students. I can see how students are already sold on the clinical work of their curriculum. They get it, and they understand the importance of the work.
Patricia
I agree that being organized and being relatable to students is very important.
However, I feel that the most effective way to get through to your students is to actually show them how the content will affect their educational and professional careers. Lots of examples need to be provided - not just from you, but from them. Get students actively involved in the class and they will not only become more comfortable participating, but will also take more interest in the content of the course.
Getting Buy-In from my particular students is already done for me by virtue of their keen interest to apply classroom knowledge to their clinical work. If students should happen to object to learning a concept, I could wax elloquent about the importance of a concept but I truly try to reduce my "war stories" in interest of time.
Hi Jan,
Students love knowing and rightfully so should know how the course is going to benefit them professionally. It is simply human nature to want to know what is in it for them.
Patricia
