steve,
Even if they are given something they want to keep up on like cell phones or tablets!
Shelly Crider
I don't know how many people consider this, but I push learning styles out side of the comfort zone. There are four basic learning styles. It is hard to cater to all four during a class and all four during a lab. So, I ask the students to try different views as I switch tactics. Some find that different views are just as easy, if not 'do-able'.
In my experience, being familiar with different styles of learning (and teaching) has made it easier for me (along with feeling more comfortable) to understand the message and content from other instructors. I am less likely to pass an opportunity to learn this way, and have found myself learning constantly, whether or not I am in a learning environment.
I have had graduates contact me in the past, thanking me for 'pushing' them to try different venues of comprehension, as it is helping them now with more advanced courses with less concerned (about styles of learning) instructors.
Mentioning to the students; that they will need to develop skills that enable them to continue the learning process upon graduating their vocational school is of paramount importance, maintains a healthy attitude and outlook towards changes in the work place that they can more easily adapt to, maximizes their future earning potential via broadened employability, higher job retention scores and promote ability within the work organization.
As an instructor you need to a be looking for new information out there in the field you teach in. We are requried to a set number of hours each year in soft skill and tech training to help us keep up to date with new things happening in our field.
I also, agree that directing students to organizations that are related to the field they have chosen is a major benefit to the student.
In the field I teach, acquiring ASE’s is a requirement with some companies in the automotive field, and leads to, continuing education in order to possess the knowledge to be successful.
With the technology changing at the rapid pace that it does, people that do not have the willingness to be a lifelong learner, may find themselves left behind in the technical fields.
I agree. In the Marine job market a technician has to watch training videos, take test, enroll in classes which continure year after tear, it never ends.
Neal I agree that the students must continue to stay up to date. Working with medical students this makes all of the difference in the quality of care that is given to a patient which is the ultimate goal.
I explain to my students that in our industrys technolgy is constently changing and that to be able to stay ahead ,they have to keep in touch with what the industry is doing, and be aware of changes being made. I tell them to read publications about the industry and keep up with the changes so that they know what is new and trending.
jason,
Interesting. I once attended Wine and Canvas....I didn't want to go due to not being able to draw a straight line, but I loved my painting and have been back with others!!!
Shelly Crider
James,
I think this speaks volumes for your students as well. I hope you share with your students!
Shelly Crider
I encourage my students to join a local life drawing group when discussions of character development comes up, this should be a life long practice that should never stop, and the practice in these setting are fun and creative.
In the veterinary field in order to maintain a license continuing education must be taken for every renewal. While a license is not required for a technician to be employed in every the continuing education is still vitally important to keep up with new procedures and drugs. I usually attend more CE than is required in my state and also discuss in class what I have learned at these meetings to show them the CE has relevance toe their careers.
Patricia,
Especially in certain professions. If you use technology....you better keep up!!
Shelly Crider
I always remind my students and tell them that continued education is key, keeping yourself motivated and learning news things is what is most important, there is always something new and exiting to learn!!
LeeAnn,
Congrats to you and I hope your students se you as a wonderful role model.....as you are!
Shelly Crider
Michael,
I thank you for being up to date in this field as I am completely not!!
Shelly Crider
I use myself as an example. I recently (yesterday in fact) completed a bachelor program to further my education. I have finished with a 4.0 GPA. Not and easy feat by any stretch of the imagination. This experience has allowed me to show my students that even as an expert in my field (surgical technology), I continue to learn and grow professionally. I can share my experiences of challenges, trials, tribulations, and accomplishments with my students. They are able to see that it is possible to achieve your goals.
Being in the mechanical field I have to stay up with all of the new things going on in the world of motorcycles,and I tell the students things change everyday in the field.I tell them to read the paper ,magazines and of course anything put out by the manufacturer to keep current.I subscribe to many magazines and forums to stay current and I also suggest it to the students as fun and infomative reading just to see all the new products coming out on the market.
V.,
Love it!!! It is very important to restate the most important topics as students do not retain every bit of information.
Shelly Crider
Jonathan,
ahhhhh.....good exercise! I like having students do research on topics that are very relevant to them.
Shelly Crider
