student need to apply what they have learn in an environment that is much like the one they will use skill in. i believe this helps student to understand relevancy to what they have been learning
Because I teach an English Compsosition class, I find it very easy to show the content's aplicability. I do an excercise on the first day of class in which I ask students to write a paragraph outlining their goals in terms of short, medium and long-term. I often pass these paragraphs back out on last day of class to show the level of improvement and knowledge acquired.
I teach a Document Processing (keyboarding) and I try to explain that being able to type effectively is a must in this day of the computers. However, many students see this course as a waste of their time. I know how to type is the answer from many of the students. I soon realize that most of the students can type but with many errors(over 10). I try to explain that working efficently is the goal of this course. The less mistakes you make while typing the less time you will spend making corrections.
Love the way you worded it "Once the connection is discovered. . ." I call it the EUREKA! or AH! factor.
I teach accounting courses. I usually explain early on in the course that accounting is the language of business. All reports are created according to accounting standards. Business performance is always expressed through the use of accounting reports. I explain to the student that studying accounting will prepare the student to function in the business world more effectively.
I show relevancy of course by using industry experience examples and how the point I'm making applies.
I teach Literature as well. As a Liberal Arts major, the critical/analytical and communication skills I learned in my education have been invaluable. They've allowed me to find steady and lucrative employment even in tough economic times. I try to give students concrete examples from my own work experiences and education that make what I teach relevant.
Some ways to show students the relevancy of the course is to apply what is being taught in the course to real-world experiences. For instance, one subject in my course is time management and I like to relate it to professional time management. I ask my students, "how do you plan your day, your week, so that you can fulfill your obligations?" I have had students say they don't plan, they just get up and go. In response to that, I make a schedule of the day and week on the board and break down each activity the student has planned and then I point out lapses in time during the day or obligations that were not met due to poor planning. This turns on a light within the student and makes them interact with me at the board and get an idea of why a daily planner to manage time is important.
Rhonda Daniels
Hi Linda,
You are on point! Computers are here for the long haul! I understand your excitement. I teach all these classes as well, and it is very easy to show the relevance to one's professional life as well as personal life. Students have really bought in before they actually walk in the door. Everyone knows computers are the "IN" thing.
Patricia
Hi Mark,
Money is a super motivator. Students can benefit from this type of example both professionally and personally.
Patricia
Hi Alphia,
It is important for students to know how the subject/topic can be utilized in real life. Students have a different interest in the subject matter once they find out that the subject/topic is useful.
Patricia
Hi Lorraine,
You're right! I just visualized what my students do when I am telling them a story. All eyes are focused on me, they really perk up.
Patricia
Hi Phyllis,
Students like to know how the course will relate either professionally or personally. Once the connection is discovered, the students see the relevance.
Patricia
I like to make the material relevant by trying to relate it to the real world. Either what the material will actually be like when you are using it in your career or something they can relate too from their life.
During ice breaking activities at the start of the first class, I try to learn the student's major and desired occupation. Then, I try to relate the importance of the course to the degree programs and professions.
you can see the students' expression change when your voice changes from lecture tone to sharing a story...everyone feels like they are getting in on a secret!
Excellent point, students always ask how is a subject or topic relevant and if they are ever going to use it in real life. The IRA question gets them thinking harder and i am sure they are now more serious about maths.
Students always want to know where they will use this math. Teaching Finite Business Algebra is based on money. Managing money is relevant to all students. I give specific examples like, " how much do you need in your IRA so you will have $50,000 a year for the next 20 years." This is also million dollar lottery winner question.
20*50k = $1,000,000
Hi Donna,
You are on point. I teach a job search class, and I thoroughly cover those things you've mentioned, but this can certainly be applicable to all courses.
Patricia
I would show relevancy by first talking about the qualities of an excellent employee and the qualities of an "okay" employee. We can make a pros and cons list of the ideal worker, and we can roll play what the ideal and not so ideal worker would look and act like. Once the class really understands the benefits of being an excellent employee, then it is easy for them to see the relevancy of every course. Students need to know why each class is being offered to them. Reviewing the sylabus will help the student learn their objectives for the class, but also their career.
