Hi Terry,
Some students are very closed minded to certain courses. I have the students make a list on the first day as to how they think the course will help them in their career, and I emphasize it will be grade and everyone has to include something to share other than I do not expect to gain anything, etc. We share the different student lists as well as mine. Students gain buy in immediately from the shared list.
Patricia
I plan in-class assignments and research projects that show the students real world application of the course subject matter. The challenge I have not found a solution for, is the students who seem to start the class with a closed mind. They seem not open to new ideas; one of the actions I have been developing is on the first day of class to ask the students what they want included in the class.
Relevence is key to all classes. If students realize how they can use the knowledge that you share with them, they will buy into whatever you have to offer.
Most students seeking education are looking for relavency. By inviting students to associate real world situations that tie the course content to the student they can associate the learning to their own understanding.
show them different methods of the same technique and let them choose in the end what is the most effective way to approach the task. Let's them discover for themselves what the instructor already knows and gives them more of a sense of control and self discovery instead of being dictated to them the proper way. Proof to them the most effective way by showing them the pros and cons of each method.
Hi Jeffery,
I show a thorough PowerPoint presentation to the students how the course will benefit them in their field. I have a PowerPoint presentation for every course I teach.
Patricia
Hi John,
You have to sell students on the benefit of taking the class as to how it will pertain to their chosen field of study. This needs to be addressed on Day 1. At my institution, we have planned PowerPoint for each course as to how it will benefit every major.
Patricia
Hi Jeffrey,
Students love to be told stories. Stories appear to be very motivating to students. Stories are a great way to get students interested and involved.
Patricia
I will tell them about short cuts and the ramifications and I will show them classical methods and talk about all of the pro & cons. Giving them stories that they can see themselves in helps for them to buy into the decision to attend class.
Thomas you make an excellent point. Many times, not getting students to buy in stems from the perception that the class is not relevant to their chosen field. A good example is a business class for future personal trainers. Learning about diet and nutrition is obvious but sales and marketing is not so obvious and therefore not as appealing to students.
I give little stories about real life situations I had been in and the attention to all details in all aspects in our field on how to and what couse I teach which will bring them in and how it concern them. What do you do ?
Hi Jeffrey,
I am sure you have some interesting stories to share with students. Just based on your position alone, students will automatically have an interest in hearing from you. I can tell you are very engaging in the classroom. I am certain you are an excellent resource for your students.
Patricia
I actually manage a large program and do not get to be in the classroom as much as I would like but when I am I try to talk to the students about my experiences and what they can expect in a commercial setting. I give examples or show them options that they can use for best practices. I outline what stories I might have negative or positive but always give them what the lesson is to the examples I am giving them. Since I am not in the class that often the students like to hear as much as they can from me because of my position and I know that they are hanging on to what I am saying. I know that I need to use that window of opportunity to support the teachers lesson plans for that room. When I am in the room I try to make the time count by not having my visit just be a hit and run, make it worth the time for them and myself.
Hi Michael,
It is good to let our students know that we are far from perfect as well.
Patricia
I tell a few stories to let my students know that I am human, I did make at least one mistake in my life and I am approachable at almost any time.
I find that the buy for students is quite simple,
when the instructor exudes passion and enthusiasim for the course.
As a Chef Instructor most of my students have already bought into their perception of what a chef does but may be less aware of the effort to be a great chef. I have found I can use this unrealistic view to my benefit. If a student only wants to cook, rather than study or do math, I have them profile a chef who has done the work.
I also show them "cha-ching" moments in the day. Those bits of knowledge that make you a more profitable chef or a better manager. Every task they are asked to do I relate to how it makes being a chef look effortless.
Maureen Lisi-MacReady
Personally, I have not found this to be a problem. I find if I can share a vision and a "why" for the class students are willing to join me for the journey.
I have had the same experience. If you come into the class energetic and excited about the subject you are going to discuss during the class, the students buy in almost immediately.
Hi Janet,
Students love hearing our practical experiences because they are real and not just theory from the book. I especailly like your idea about role playing...this makes it more practical as well.
Patricia
