Hello, Louis - Yes, I search the web for relevant articles, also. (These usually are related to the mandates that regulate our industry.) I find that having the students do the searches; then adding their comments leads to the point being seeded more firmly.
I get interested responses and questions when I set up detailed scenarios based on situations that actually happen frequently in the workplaces where the students will likely be working. These scenarios show how sensitive and crucial their work product will be, while injecting humor with the interactions of characters in the scenarios. These discussions always include what consequences will occur depending on the efficiency of their work, what should have been done, and how to solve the problems that arise with each scenario.
Some ways that you can show your students the relevancy of your course is by telling them how they will be able to use this information in their chosen profession and why it's important.
Hi Renee,
Students want to hold onto the information when they understand how it pertains to them personally/professionally.
Patricia Scales
Hi Sonya,
Absolutely! When students understand the benefit of the course,they tend to try harder and are more motivated.
Patricia Scales
When discussing a topic with students (such as the importance of being accountable to yourself and others when taking on new tasks to complete), I always try to relate the topic to environments beyond the classroom, school, and academics in general to their own personal and professional lives. I ask students how taking accountability applies to their households, their jobs (and/or future career), as well as to their academic success. By giving students the opportunity to apply what they're learning at school to other aspects of their lives, I believe that this helps them understand the relevancy of course content. It also seems to be a great way of engaging students in discussion as well.
I agree! It is important to let them know from day one that the material and the objectives have been designed to help them be successful with their major. After that, I put little reminders in each lesson that points them to relevancy. I believe this helps student to stay interested about learning the material because it is important to their future.
Hi Gina,
Students want to and need to know the why so that they better understand.
Patricia Scales
Hi Ray,
You are definitely on point to express course relevancy to your students. They should certainly get the importance of the course based on this explanation.
Patricia Scales
Hi Sonya,
We have to help our students understand why they are taking a particular course. On day 1 I let my students know the purpose of the course as it pertains to their major.
Patricia Scales
Point to jobs that incorporate the knowledge to be acquired in the course and explain how those people apply the knowledge in the job. Provide real examples, staring with the industry, then company, then types of position that utlilze the skills.
Leon Guendoo
I use a lot of on the job experiences and do a lot of research into the subject I am teaching. When we can relate to a subject it helps students to understand.
I am about to teach a course gas heating furnaces and the appropriate mechanical codes. During my first class meeting, I intend to remind the students of why they decided to enroll in an HVAC ciriculum to begin with. The fact is that they all wish to earn a living as HVAC service technicians. Servicing heating equipment, therefore, will make up a large percentage of their responsibilities, and in this part ot the U.S.natural gas is the predominant fuel. Additionally, in order to practice HVAC service work, the must pass as test and obtain a journeyman's level certificate from the state. A large part of this test involves a knowledge of natural gas plus applicable mechanical codes. I will conclude by emphasizing the relevancy of the contents of this course to their immediate career goals.
It is very difficult to help students understand why they have to take courses like Critical Thinking or Introduction to Psychology. When I am developing lesson plans I make it a point to make sure I mention a number of experiences that I have encountered that I have had to use critical thinking or have an understanding of Psychology. For critical thinking, it is important to use medical case studies that will help students understand that they will use that skill on a daily basis.
Hi Anthony,
Guest speakers are excellent resources, and students really enjoy them.
Patricia Scales
Hi Sonya,
Great ways! Students need to and want to know the relevancy of any course.
Patricia Scales
Hi Jessica,
Students can certainly connect the course to their externship. The externship brings about great excitement for students.
Patricia Scales
Hi Eric,
Great ways to show relevancy! Try bringing in an experienced chef as guest speaker. Students love it when guest speakers are present.
Patricia Scales
Tell about personal experiences and actually show them some available opportunites that are current. We often have guest speakers that also tell them that.
There are many ways to show relevancy of a course to students. The instructor can give life experience examples, they could have guest speakers, they could look up stories on the internet, and they could take students on field trips.
