As a math instructor, I try to show students how mathematical concepts are used in everyday life. Most students think math is unnecessary, but once they see how exponetials can calculate savings account balances for example, they are more interested in learning about them.
One of the ways that I demonstrate relevancy of the subject matter is to utilize case studies, industry specific news, etc. to spark continued interest.
And if the students are interested, they're more likely to not only stay in school but make an effort to do well. By showing that relevancy on the first day, you are more likely to keep your students enrolled.
I have been very successful giving students practical examples of what they are learning and how they can be applied to what they will be doing in the field.
I frequently weave in stories of anatomy and physiology and then describe our role in trauma victims, gunshot wounds to the head and face, pedestrian vs. motor vehicle etc, so that they can see they real world application to reacting to a life and death situation based on the content they learned in human anatomy. It gives the students a practical point of reference, a goal to achieve, and ultimately reflects in the end result employment in the field as a healthcare giver. Plus, who doesn’t like Untold Stories of The ER?
Hi William,
Students need to and want to know what is expected of them in the real world. It is our job to teach them what to expect in the real world.
Patricia
In my class it is very important to let the students know of what they have to look foward to when they get into the real world.
I teach a math course for students who are IT majors. They will be help desk personnel, network administrators, and the IT people for corporations, hospitals, schools, etc.
Many of them coming into the class see no reason to study math, they want to study computers. I use practical examples of how they will use the topics covered in class in their jobs. For some of them it's a real eye opener and they begin to appreciate the importance of mathematics in their careers.
Betty Taylor
How the subject matter relates to the workplace, common problems they might encounter.
Hi Walter,
Classified ads serve as a great way to get students to see the relevance as to why they are learning certain things.
Patricia
I would try to relate it to a desired characteristic of an effective employee...Example: " Why do we have to write an essay in an Accounting I class?" - it is important that a business person be able to articulate and express himself or herself at the proper level...I point out descriptions in classified ads for employment that point out specific skills, such as, "typing at 55 wpm or more" to reinforce that these qualities are actually in demand....
Hi Troy,
Students want to and need to know how the learning will apply to their career.
Patricia
Students need to know that the course will be useful to them later. I belive in the power of guest speakers. They can show a student how what they learn today will directly affect their future performance. Also explaining to students that many things we teach them are more about a process then just memorizing an out come. Reinforcing that they should take more from the process can really help them understand the out come.
Here again I like to link the course content with the students program of study.
Hi George,
Students need to and want to know how various concepts are going to apply to the job.
Patricia
By relating the practical application of the concepts reviewed in class to actual on-the-job experiences.
Hi Lynn,
I concur! May I add not only is it important anymore to get a job, but what needs to be done to keep the job in order to move up the corporate ladder.
Patricia
And it isn't just money. One thing I always try to do is talk about what is going to get you a promotion or in this economy what is going to make you the last one to be laid off. If Students start to think about that most of them come back to class each week with a better level of engagement and participation. You can't just say this is what will help you succed or get you paid more but actually show them why it looks good to a boss and helps them become the boss - then they are ready.
Hi Guy,
I have found that money serves as a super motivator. Anytime I get the opportunity to talk about money in the course I do so. Students get real excited whenever you mention dollar bills.
Patricia
As everyone here has stated I like showing students the "possibilities" of my course. Insights into improving themselves,making more money faster,etc usually gets their attention. As I move through the course I then relate some point back to those early statements which helps the students better grasp what I am trying to get across to them.
Hi Ed,
Absolutely! Students need to know that their knowledge is going to be useful to their career.
Patricia
