I will often ask for ideas and suggestions on an upcoming assignment to see if i can improve on the assignment itself. This allows the student to feel like they were part of the decision making process, thus improving buy in.
By applying my experiences in the field and sharing stories about the "daily life" that students will be having in their career helps them apply what we're learning and shows its relevancy.
Also, making the class fun and a learning time for all, whether they are tactile, visual or auditory learners. Applying all strategies in every class will help them "buy in" as well.
I teach various classes within the art of Baking and Pastry. In order to get students to "buy in" I like to show pictures of the work that I've done and also tell stories from my many years in the industry. I always try to pick experiences that were either humorous or unexpected. I also make it a point to explain the importance and relevance of the material covered in the class.
Because I have many years of experience working in a pharmacy I always try to bring up some of those experiences so the students can be prepared for when it happens to them and also what may not work even if it may be a natural response. Such as a defense mechanism, can dig your hole deeper cause it can anger the customer.
I have a group discussion at the beginning of class to talk about how they anticipate using the course knowledge in their profession and personal life.
In order to "sell" to the students the course, an instructor may provide some convinsing reasons of how the skills and knowledge acquired in the course will help the students in their future career. In my own course, I make an emphasis on the fact that the information taught in my classroom will appear on the national board exam that my graduates will take upon completion of the program. They will not be licensed by the state or national board unless they successfully pass the board exam; therefore, the knowledge aquired in my course is invaluable for their ability to practice the profession they are training for.
As a self employed CPA for 30 yrs, I give many real world examples, tell students what is important material and what is not, explain to them how the different subjects they study pertain to the various acctg and tax fields for employment and job descriptions and enjoyment at work. The hard part is to get students who are not business majors to by in, but I tell them other ways acctg can pertain to they chosen major.
The first day of class is a best time to get your students to buy in. That is when you should share some life experiance that got you to where you are now. Telling your students that you know that sometimes life gets in the way of being a student because you yourself have been there. However you will be there to assist them when needed and will always encourage them to plus through. Letting your students know that although it is hard sometimes the struggle through will be well worth it.
I think that this small group idea is excellent. It would make a student feel heard, help them to see the relevancy of the material to their career/educational goals, and it gives you insight into what will work with those students.
I am a relatively new instructor. I use instances and examples from my work experience in my field to motivate and engage students. I love what I do and try to convey that to my students.
Call on the student for an example that has occurred in their life/and or work that is similiar to what you are teaching.
On the first day or two of class I divide the students into small groups and have them answer questions like below, and then share with the class.
- Of the items covered in the syllabus, which do you think will be most benefical to you and why?
- What skills in this class will help you in a job?
- Which item(s) do you think will be the most challenging and why?
- What steps can you take to ensure you will be successful in the class?
- How can I as your instructor help you best, to reach your goals in the class.
Our profession is run by the accreditation process. Each 7 years our school must be accredited by two seperate bodies. I tell the students about this process and relate the guidelines of accreditation to the activites that we require of them while they are in school. this way they can better understand that we are limited by certain rules that must be applied to their education. Helps them understand the rationale for many things that we do here.
Hi Rick,
Enthusiasm is contagious, and it can certainly generate buy in.
Patricia Scales
Hi Mine,
Yes, and I also let them know how the course will benefit them in their career.
Patricia Scales
Hi Kristi,
I also like to have great discussion with the students to let them know how the course will benefit them in their career.
Patricia Scales
I am realy excited about what I teach. The subject is what I used to do for money and now it is a personal hobby of mine. When the students sense my enthusiasm, getting buy-in is easy.
I give examples of my experience in the field, life, etc. and ask them the students to do the same. New students are also required to experience a session with a professional in the field of study.
I show them course relevance to different aspects of their lives
I show them course relevance to different aspects of their lives
