I let the students know that their experiences, whether it is personal or professional, add to their unique set of values. They hold within themselves a personal "research library" that contains knowledge that they can learn from positively or negatively depending on the application.
I teach in a healthcare degree program. I was a clinician for 22 years prior to moving into higher ed. I explain to my students that if I had stopped advancing and continued to practice the way I practiced when I first graduated, I would have been out of date within less than 5 years. Career burnout is common in those who remain "stuck" and aren't expanding their knowledge base. An active willingness to advance and seek new information is key to staying engaged and interested in a career.
Becoming a member of a professional organization that will offer continuing education is extremely important. Or subscribing to periodicals related to their field will also help. That way students will be able to keep up to date with any new information or equipment that may come out. For our students the medical field is ever changing; so they need to be prepared to also be able to change quite frequently and always ready to learn.
Michael,
I like this post! Everyone does indeed have something to learn!
Shelly Crider
Jennifer,
It is important for students to feel a part of a community, a club is an excellent way to do so.
Shelly Crider
Althea ,
This is a good post on self-doubt and the non-traditional student.
Shelly Crider
It is important to konw there is something to be learned from almost everyone around you. Even the ones you do not consider to be smart or clever. Everyone has something that you can learn to better yourelf.
Many of the forum participants have already mentioned the importance of professinal organizations and continuing education. In the culinary field, many of chefs are certified by the American Culinary Federation (ACF), which requires continuing ed, competition hours, and intense practicals. As a certified pastry chef I try to share the bigger ongoing requirements with my class so they can see first hand how I am keeping current in my field. It is beneficial for students to see the expectations of staying current in the pastry field, so that they are not surprised when they are expected to do the same. Furthermore, we have an ACF club on campus specifically for students to become active before graduation.
As a Manager, I interact with the students in both the classroom and in my office. Whereby, the population consist of many non-traditional aged students that feel they are too old to be in school learning. The self doubt can lead to self defeat. The goal and strategy is to share short motivational videos supporting the importance of reaching their goal no matter their age or circumstances. A lifelong learner continues to set goals even if the increment is at a slow pace. The students are encouraged and feel supportive in completing their educational goal.
Althea Wynn
Stephen,
I have said in the past and will say again, I am so thankful for your lifelong learning as I know nothing about automotive technology!!!
Shelly Crider
Its easy to encourage life long learning with the profession our students are training for. Automotive technology constantly evolves and we encourage them to evolve as well.
Timothy,
I really think students appreciate knowing this fact. They are learning from a learner....what more can be said??
Shelly Crider
I like to use my self as an example for my students that i am coninually learning,from them and from other resources to give them a better expeirence and more knowledge.
Craig,
This is a true statement and I hope students know this too!
Shelly Crider
there is probally not a job or career that you could succeed at without being a lifelong learner due to changes or upgrades of a given product. So to be successful students have to be able to learn all the time whatever type of learning it may be.
John,
I like this!! We all get into a comfort zone and at times need to be pushed...even instructors!
Shelly Crider
Edwin,
I like the phrase healthy attitude! This is so important in today's society to maintain a positive and healthy outlook. Great post!
Shelly Crider
Brian,
It is great to keep up in your own field, but we also need to see what is up and coming in other fields so that we can chat with students about other opportunities.
Shelly Crider
Herbert,
Students get so involved with "school" that they do not realize how much is right out their front door for them as a resource. Good job!
Shelly Crider
David,
That is an excellent example and I hope you share with students your personal experience.
Shelly Crider
