Setting high expectations for our students is critical. Transferring this information to students is done via grading rubrics. This module 1 talked about evaluation of students. At the start of class there is definitely some anxiety about this. They really need to understand what instructor expectations are. If they are not clearly defined and if they are set too low, students cannot achieve levels of knowledge that they will be impressed with.
In order to gain buy in from the students, it is important that they understand how it will help them in their career. One way of doing this would be to share stories about your career and how the information in the course would be helpful. Reviewing the purpose of the course, some of the topics covered and real-world examples all support the students in relating the information to their future.
Hi Christine,
I also like to bring in classified ads so that students can see the skills/course are beneficial to their career.
Patricia
I agree that a course needs to make sense to the students. They need to understand why they are required to take certain courses. If they can't see how the course will help them in their future careers, they feel like they are wasting their time by taking that course.
Getting students to be involve in classwork such as small group presentation or small group project about the material covered for the class.
Hi Ted,
Great process! What a super way to make course content practical. Students will buy in as long as they know the information is going to be useful in the workplace.
Patricia
Hi Virginia,
Students need to know that what they are learning is going to help them in the workplace.
Patricia
Several methods are used. I ask a student a question in which there may be no right or incorrect answer. I then ask if anyone else in the class has a different answer or opinion. It then gets the entire class involved.
I also use examples from "real life experiences." I give an example of how something was done and then elicit responses of what else may ahve been done in that situation. I frequently specifically ask a "targeted" student to respond to get them involved.
Another method is that I tell as small group of students (ususally four) at the beginning of class that they are going to give a presentation of a given topic in 30 minutes to the class. The become the instructor for that topic.
Every class starts with a discussion of any instances of how the class material comes into play while they are workking at their extern sites. That helps them realize that what they are learning is relavent to the real work place.
I introduce the day's topic and relate it to the job they are in training to perform. After multimedia presentations, I conduct a hands on lab excercise utilizing the concepts presented to develop the skills needed to complete the task competently. Then we can discuss the settings in which the application of their new knowledge can be of benefit to the patients they will serve. This approach allows them to see the solution's application to a problem and be able to assess the outcome(s).
Hi Melissa,
I can tell you are very approachable and helpful. These two things will certainly allow students to want to buy in. I can also tell that you are very organized and well prepared.
Patricia
Hi Rose,
Engaging students about a course can be done from personal gain as well as professional gain.
Patricia
Hi George,
I agree! In order for you to sell the course, you as the instructor should have already bought into it. In order to sell anything you must believe in it fully yourself.
Patricia
Hi Bryan,
You do a fabulous job with making your courses relevant to the students. Bottom line is that the students want to know how they can apply what they are learning in the workplace.
Patricia
Hi William,
Students love when we make teaching real. Teaching from an experienced perspective adds a lot of flavor to the course because students better understand what they will have to deal with in the workplace.
Patricia
Ask for questions and feedback from them in regards to the syllabus or anything instructor initiated.
Do an ice-breaker.
I use real life clinical situations that I have experienced personally that they may see daily or possibly never at all. this creates interest and a reason why the material is important for them now and later.
Hi Suzanne,
Students love anything that is going to prepare them for the board tests, especially if they are simulated.
Patricia
Hi Thomas,
You have a lot to share with your students. They are fortunate to have you as instructor. You can teach from a very practical perspective based on your years of experience.
Patricia
I always like to get students interested by connecting what they will learn in the course to what we do in our field. Real life examples always help, explaining the "why" behind what they are learning.
