Hi Twyler,
When students get that they are preparing for the real world, they tend to have more of an interest in the course.
Patricia
Hi Cristina,
Students love it when we share our experiences with them as they apply to the real world and to the lesson.
Patricia
I rely on my past experience with the material itself. I always refer back to my personal experience with it and then I try to relate it to the student in the world that they will know.
In my math course at a career college, I show how the material they learn will be needed in the program they are studying. I also love what I do and have learned how to break down the more complex problem into a sequence of simple problems. I will not say that I have been able to transfer my love of math and problem solving to the students, but I have numerous students makeing positive statements. "I never made an A on a math test before." "I never understood how or why until now." "I never realized just how simple it could be until I saw how you broke it down."
Those lights shining are why I teach!
I really just explain the importance of being involved in the course and applying what they learn in preperation for the workforce.
Getting buy in from students will ensure the student gets the most from the class. I always tell them what, when, and why. If I have a classroom rule or expectation, I always give them the why behind the what. If I just tell them "no food or drink in class" and move on, some students will comply, but others may not. If I tell them "no food or drink in class because this is a lab and we draw blood and dip urine specimens in this classroom", they think twice about eating and drinking from the tables that could have had urine spilled on them. Sometimes people do not grasp an expectation unless you can explain to them what is in the expectation for them.
I think using "real world" examples is undoubtedly one of the most effective ways of reaching students. I have found that bringing a little humor into it often helps too. I'm not sure what it is, but getting someone to laugh at something tends to make it stick in their mind better and helps them relate it to their own life. Business is serious, yes, but less so as time goes on.
Hi Melinda,
Students love it when we make theory applicable to the real world. Students need to and want to know that the information that they are learning is going to be useful in the real world.
Patricia
Use examples from my private practice to show relevance.
Try to find out how students learn best and include examples of how the course will apply to their preparation for the "real-world" challenges of the job world after they leave school.
It probably will help a little to show them a few quick examples of how you handled a similar situation OTJ-on-the job so that they see that they can be well-prepared by doing the work laid out in the courses for a similar job. Mindy Smith
On Day 1 I review each new medical skill that the students will be learning, how important it is, and how frequently they may be performing it. I stress how wonderful it feels to practice in a competent manner and to feel confidence about their ability. I stress that the time and guidance will be provided until they feel comfortable with each new skill.
Hi Killarney,
I like how you share with your students up front the end result so that they become very motivated to begin the course. Students love hands on, and they also love knowing what they are learning will be applicable to their career.
Patricia
Hi Jeff,
Students love being shown/told real world examples. The more practical we can make it for students, the better. Students want to and need to know what to expect when they enter the real world.
Patricia
Hi Dawn,
Emaphasizing the importance of effective interviewing documentation is a great way to grab students attention. Their utlimate goal is to graduate and find gainful employment.
Patricia
I teach English foundations so I emphasize the importance of a good cover letter and resume.
Show them real world examples of success.
Thank you Patricia,
After reviewing the course objectives and printed material at the onset of the course, I ask the students as their first assignment to outline (3) top objectives that they would like to have confidence of knowledge of by the end of the term. This exercise not only gives the students a sense of ownership, it empowers them and raises their confidence level. It also gives me as the teacher a wider perspective on the material to be covered.
I agree, they see how it will apply to them and take the course seriously.
Hi Sonja,
When students understand how the course applies to the real world, they take more of an interest in the course...they buy in to the course.
Patricia
To get my students to buy into the course that I am teaching, I will normally go over the material that we are going to cover. After I do that I will let them know how the topic will apply to the “real world†once the understand why that are learning something the topic becomes “real†for them.
