My education students must hear every class period, "These are behaviors you must adopt before becoming a preschool teacher: you must develop a love for learning for all subjects, plan on and continue learning after you graduate and all your life. You will need to keep current as the education field is changing at a rapid pace." Each class period the students present something related to the day's topic from their personal reading. They have become much more actively involved as a result.
In some of my other classes, students are taught how to find credible educational materials and research articles that will help them develop their own philosophies.
I like to have students research the requirements to maintain credentials in their given fields. Oftentimes, this involves continuing education. This helps students understand and begin thinkinkg about how to continue learning after graduation.
Thomas,
It is funny how we have a deeper knowledge of something we have learned when we share our knowledge.
Shelly Crider
Brad,
The technology age has given us something to look forward to every year!
Shelly Crider
I constantly try to inspire my students to be lifelong learners by giving specific examples of what I do day to day in many contexts to expand my knowledge.
I attended a Pot Luck Faculty event and mentioned to my students how I asked a Pakastani professor what she thought the difference was between Indian, Pakastani and Afghan cuisine. The subject was sparked by some of the foods brought by different professors.
In a Cultural Diversity class, I suggested the students try to see the new documentary Shinnecock about the Shinnecock Indians on Long Island. I explained how knowing more about that Native Nation can expand their perspective.
I also mentioned whenever I learn a new tidbit about proper English and how I never stop trying to improve myself and my speaking ability.
These type of comments seem to inspire my students and the result is that they look up more. But when an issue comes up in class or someone mentions a questionable fact, I immediately encourage the students to look it up on their phone that has internet access and then that knowledge is shared with the whole class.
In the design fields where technology is constantly changing, it is actually easy to get students to see themselves as lifelong learners.
I also stress the fact that each client is unique and that they will be learning something new each time they start a new project.
Moira,
That is an awesome organization! I do think it is important to give students resources.
Shelly Crider
At our institution we encourage students to access associations and to become familiar with new associations such as NAPW (National Association Professional Women) I'm going to access it myself and introduce to the next class.
Caro,
I love first hand experiences for our students....especially when you as the instructor go as well!!!
Shelly Crider
I have taken my students to local chapter professional organization meetings. Although the subject matter discussed may be above their current knowledge, they enjoyed meeting practicing professionals in their chosen field. They were also able to share details of their experiences with other students in the area.
Robert,
There is a lot about the body that is still emerging! Great post here!!
Shelly Crider
As a massage therapist, I emphasize the fact that there is a lot about the body we have yet to discover. I then tie that into the fact that as new massage therapists, they will have just the basic skills. The real fun starts with all the additional therapies they will have an opportunity to learn about with their continuing education courses. I want them to consider the educational process as a natural part of their developement into great therapists.
jonathan,
This is so true. Technology is here to stay so we either learn or fall behind!
Shelly Crider
We need to keep up to date with technology no matter what field we are in.
Michelle,
Certificates are wonderful to have in your portfolio.....awesome job!!!
Shelly Crider
beverly,
Great tip! Many professional organizations will have annual meetings somewhere fun!
Shelly Crider
William,
We need to research new technologies to keep up with students as well as explain what these are to other students.
Shelly Crider
I love to teach the students about open courses offered through various colleges and universities that don't cost a thing. Many of them offer certificates with completion of the course and courses are offered on practically everything under the sun. This is a great way for the students to learn new things required for promotions etc. This was how I learned Excell.
I use that same strategy because the field of; Cosmetology being attach to a professional organization will take you along way. I encourage my students also to go to trade shows.
It is so vitally important to continue to grow both in your professional skills and in your ability to take that to the classroom. In my profession new techologies effect the way we practice and often can be used in the classroom as well.
