Real World Experience
I mention situations that happen to me when I'm dealing with clients for my Web Design business, when referring to similar situations in class so the students know these are problems that really happen, need to be aware of, and how to go about taking care of the situation.
Hi Nikkole,
Students truly need to want to hear how things are in the real world. That paper becomes extraordinary if they know how to perform excellent in the real world.
Patricia Scales
I constantly share my professional experiences and the students seem to enjoy hearing them! It provides insight and enthusiasm for the field they will soon enter. As a pharmacy technology instructor, my goal is to make their paper (their assignments) more than a piece of paper. I want them to see as an actual order for a real patient.
Hi David,
Field trips are a great taste of the real world as well. Students get to see book theory come to life.
Patricia Scales
I agree. Our real world experiences must be tied in to the current group of students. Otherwise, our shared experiences do not have a great impact.
In addition, role-playing real world experiences has a profound impact on student. learning.
David Wahl
I am a culinary instructor and a chef. I have been in this business for 20 years. I talk about the real world to my students all the time. I try to let them know what they got themselves into so that they are not blindsided when they get out in the real world. The problem I encounter is that they don't believe me. I don't sugar coat or blow smoke, I let them know what is going to occur. Sometimes they hear it from other instructors as well who were in the business and they still don't believe.
Hi Emily,
I concur! Stories that are applicable to the course content are welcomed by students!!
Patricia Scales
I agree that these real-world experiences enhance student learning and motivation. I think it is important that our experiences or stories be relevant, however. There is nothing more annoying that a teacher who does not stop talking about themselves.
Hi Nelida,
Students enjoy hearing our stories as to how they apply to their career.
Patricia Scales
It's very important to share the Real World experience with your students because it will prepared them for the future career.
I teach nursing, and I have always found that asking the class if they have an experience that they are willing to share really increases the interest and buy-in for my students. I've also learned some unique presentations and treatments, as well as alot of culturally-based "folk remedies" that we are able to relate to current practice, such as using willow bark to treat pain or fever (The active ingredient in willow bark is an aspirin-like compound.
Hi Josiah,
Awesome! Your students are very fortunate to have you as their instructor. You have a ton of practical experience to enhance their learning process.
Patricia Scales
I have many years of dealer experience as a motorcycle technician. I will soon be teaching students and getting them ready to take the same position in a dealer. I plan on using my past experince as well to prep them for any on the job issues they might see.
I find myself constantly sharing the real world experience of those concepts and ideas in medical billing and coding that seem to confuse or are not easy to envision from textbook examples, such as the Medicare rules for certain payments. This gives the student a CONCRETE, as opposed to ABSTRACT example of the many ways this could play out.
I also include mistakes I have made with my examples. Some people do not think this is wise, but I have learned a great deal and well from my mistakes. If I can save a student from the same fate, so much the better.
In addition, this is a great career, but not an easy one. I want them to understand, it is constantly changing and they MUST keep up with those changes and knowledge.
Hi Michele,
We have a few students that actually come in with experience in their field or great knowledge to share about their field. Some of our students have transferrable skills as well.
Patricia Scales
having the students reveal their life experience also helps in comparing from what they know and how to use those experiences to their new chosen field
Hi Chuck,
There is nothing like real world experience. Experience is certainly the best teacher. When you can share practical experience with your students, the students have more of a feel as to what is expected in the real world.
Patricia Scales
I share the same experience, Gary. Part of the requirements for teaching in a Social Work Degree program is having a minimum of two years post-Graduate work experience in the field (this varies depending on the individual's area of practice interest, eg, in a school setting, substance abuse/mental health treatment, working with Veterans, etc.). It didn't take long to realize how much more my practice and real world experiences would benefit and serve both relating practice applications of a course's particular curriculum content and providing client/case examples to use in class discussions and related exercises.
