I have them write a short reflection paper where they reflect on ways they class can relate to their specific career choice. Then they have ownership of that relevance.
This will vary depending on the type of course. In some situations, it can be physically demonstrated; whereas in others, we have to gain knowledge of what their current work world is like and how this classroom experience can be transferred to and used in their daily activities to make better decisions. Gaining this knowledge through relaxed sharing throughout the class is a sort of "ice breaker" that can be used early in the quarter.
The students we are teaching are at a point in their lives where they have chosen to receive additional education - it is not "mandatory"; they are very likely here for a specific purpose. That puts additional importance into us demonstrating that knowledge that is gained in this educational experience will make them more competitive in their current or envisioned work world. Relevancy of course content is probably the very least we should be able to demonstrate.
Hi Matt,
Super! Students want and need to know how they can utilize/benefit from learned information in their industry! What a great way to explain the concept of contracts to make it appear real to students so that they understand.
Patricia
I teach at a culinary school. I try to show relevancy by following up each topic with real life behavioral or situational examples. If in lecture, I explain the concept and then follow it up by saying how they will use or experience this in the industry.
i.e. I was lecturing about contracts which was a dry topic, but I followed it up by explaining how purchase orders, which we receive daily, are considered contracts and the liabilities incurred by signing one before all your food was inspected could result in you buying bad produce.
Hi James,
Sharing practical experience is always exciting to students. Students want to and love to hear our stories.
Patricia
I like use real life stories and let the student know what is real and what to exspect in the medical office.
Money is nice but feeling confident about providing quality work and receiving compliments are priceless - and yes consumers do give compliments when a job is well done.
When students can see/understand the "applied" skills in the real world, what the jobs will actually require and listen to a graduate or an employer, it is fun to see them energized.
Hi Christi,
I am sure your students fully understand the relevancy of your course. The examples you mentioned are sure ways to grab anyone's attention.
Patricia
I teach English courses, so I focus on the real world application. I always tell my students that regardless of what career or profession they have chosen, it is necessary that they be able to communicate effectively, both in writing and in speech. I then provide a myriad of examples in which good communication skills are a must, such as interviews, resumes, coverletters, reports, financial plans, etc.
Hi Teresa,
This exercise is very practical because this is exactly what they will be doing on the job.
Patricia
Hi Gregory,
I teach MS Access as well as, and I use the same example. Great example to use in the subject matter because students get it; it is so practical.
Patricia
Hi Mary,
Students enjoy hearing stories that are applicable to their careers.
Patricia
real life example help to make the point concrete because the tell student a story which is true that can help them in their own developement.
Money is a good motivational tool however it should not be the sole goal. Being satistified in helping other should also be a reward in its own merit.
Instructor bring to class real life example of the course material and its revelance in knowing the material.
I believe by explaining what employers look for when hiring an employee. If the students are not proficient in the skills that are to be learned they may not become employed.
I give the students examples of how the class content might be used in the workplace. For instance, in my business computer class, I tell students that we will be learning Microsoft Access because it is commonly used in organizations that they may work in for contact/client/customer/vendor information: addresses, phone #'s, email addresses, names, etc.
As a dental assistant i feel it is my responsilblity to tell my personal experience of when i used this coure information
