I agree that getting students to actively participate in some way is a "hook".......and with reluctant students(especially math students!) I'll ask for an answer or ask that they demonstrate on the board AFTER I've walked around and know they have a problem done correctly......no embarrassment, less anxiety.
"Buying in" is basically the students take ownership of their own outcome (grade) in any course. I definitely agree that the energy level and delivery of the teacherand showing students how what they learn now can help them in another class.....and naturally, in their careers!
I think it is easier when you are teaching a class that the students want to be in and being a young passionate instructor fresh from the field. I have very relievent knowledge from the industry. Also I take some things my instructors did when when I was in school. He refered to it as the Double buy in. When I get the calss started on a new subject I get the students to buy in by the first question and then generate excitement with the second buy question.
You must remind the students that you have an interest in their future and goals in which they are taking your class. Be sure that they understand how the class will benefit them in the long term and they will be fully vested into the material.
Hi James,
There are so many things that students learn that they can use personally as well. When students see the benefit either professionally or personally they are sold.
Patricia
I seem to have success in gaining extra student buy in when I apply the instructional matter to areas outside their career goal. There is often good overlap into personal growth that impacts other areas of the student's life.
Jim
Hi Graham,
Great response! Stick to your guns, otherwise your students will take you for a complete joke.
Patricia
Hi Maya,
Great ways to get buy ins. Students must fully understand how they are going to benefit from the course.
Patricia
I explain the course purpose and then I try to apply it to the students or show how the course is significant to their lives, now and in the future.
As a vocational education instructor I must use my in field experience, my classroom experience and the education I have recieved in being an instructor. I must also research new designs and developement from the field and incorporate them in the "optional course content".
The delivery of materials must be instructional and interesting but still within the objectives of the course. The student should feel that they got their "money's worth" from having taken the course.
In a practical kitchen classroom setting, it is more often than not easy to engage the students. This is typically their primary reason for coming to culinary school. However, there are always students who are naturally eager and motivated and ones who are not. In this case, getting them to buy in to the class can be much more difficult. Actually, over time, the ones who care less tend to bring the ones who care more down. It is important to set general expectations and standards to everyone from the very beginning. After that, adhering to these standards is of the utmost importance.
When dealing with adults I think that sharing my real world experience of participating in the classes that they are now and how I was able to turn that learning experience into a job in the field that their goal is in will gain trust in me. I also find explaining my class content and style will make them comfortable and excited to begin. I like to mix up the learning strategies so the students are eager to come to class. I find that many of the things I do lead to the students becoming a unit. They can rely on me and each other for discussion and are comfortable bouncing ideas and questions without feeling uncomfortable.
I would utilize "out-of-the-box" of expectation tactics, such as bringing in a guest speaker who has undergone exactly what they are now doing, showing how the course I'm teaching, and those like it, contributed to his becoming successful at the careers they are attempting to reach. Also, full use of media, DVD's and their own peraonlized contributions and ideas for how what I'm teaching could be best related to their personal interests.
Hi Caron,
To get buy in from my students, I like to bring in classified ads that pertain to mastering the course. The students see that the course is needed in order to be successful in their career.
Patricai
Hi Julie,
I like to share with students how much they could benefit from the class personally/professionally. I also like to tell about graduates success stories.
Patricia
if they have a question, i revert a question back to them so they can answer their own question. did i answer that correctly?
Hi Kristine,
I like how you use the term invested. Once students feel that their is an investment, it serves as a buy in. Students need to know that there is a return!
Patricia
I introduce the course on day one through a detailed syllabus where I spell out the course objectives and requirements. I also spell out what they can expect from me as their instructor. I create an atmosphere where the students have a forum where they can freely participate by asking questions and I encourage dialogue where the course materials are related to real-world issues. The research project of the course always refers to the student's career path so that they are truly invested in the project.
Hi John,
Great buy-in methods utilized. I like to mention the potential income every opportunity I can. Money is such a great motivator.
Patricia
Hi Madelina,
Students simply want to know that they are going to benefit from the course in some way...either personally or professionally.
Patricia
