Letting my students share their experiences helps me to relate my experiences to their respective needs. I have found this to be more personal to each student's needs. However, the students may be accepting of you initially, but the real evidence is your preparation in the classroom on each day. It doesn't take long for students to ferett out an imposter regardless what the teacher has hanging on the wall.
Patricia--
Good for you! As we've discussed here, letting students know how what they are learning in the classroom will effect their on-the-job performance is key. Giving them these examples is wonderful!
Susan
I feel it is important to let my students know my time at the institution but I also let them know how long I was in the field. I let them know that I am still involved just at a different level than before.I like to give examples of what they will be learning and how it will be used in their field. Students want to know that you are giving them instruction on something you have done, not what you read out of a book.
On the first day of class, I always let my students know about my field experience and educational background. I also let them know how many years I have been teaching at the college. It helps students feel more comfortable with me.
Penny--
Great! It certainly sounds like you cover many bases and make their learning extremely relevent. Good for you!
Susan
On the first day of class, while introductions are being made, I introduce myself to the class and tell them all about my education, professional experience, former employment and connections I have within the community. I also let them know how long I have been employed at the institution they are currently attending. In order to make all of this credible, I am always prepared for class, take them on numerous excursions within the community and get them involved with school/job-related activities within the city.
I do the same thing,this also helps move the class forward smother .
I too feel a need to let my students know that I am qualified. I actually tell them my introduction into bikes at an early age and the love of motorcycles and working on them has stayed with me to where I am at today. I do this on the first day of class during my intro.
I too share my background and experiences. In fact, I share these continuously throughout the course. I tell the students in so many words to buckle down. The same approach and fervor that they take in learning their duties on the job is the same application needed for classes. I like to post tips for success and other practical stories and links throughout the duration of the course.
Steven--
So true...letting students know something about you is very effective and the personal connection, as you indicate, is enhanced.
Susan
Leonardo--
This is excellent! Connecting the learning objectives to your 'real world' experiences really helps to reinforce that what you are covering in class really applies to their career. Students sometimes miss these important points if they are not obvious.
Susan
I always share our backgrounds with our students the first day of class, it shows the students that we really are qualified, and it helps make a personal connection with the students.
Day one begins with an introduction to my life experience, then a lay out of the class and whats expected of them.I compare it to things I have done in the real world. this help to reinforce my qualifications to the students so they can feel comfortable knowing they are getting a quality education on the subject
Jim--
That's great you do that. Yes, it does lend a great deal of credibility to you as an instructor to let them know you have 'real' experience.
Susan
I always let my students know my experiences in the field the first day of class. This usually answers any questions about my qualifications as an instructor in my subject manner.
