keeping the interest of students
keep the classroom different and lively, students stay longer and enjoy it and learn more
You are right on target here, Stacy. Adult learners tend to need to know why something is important to learn or matters to them before they engage in mastering the material.
Jeffrey Schillinger
Hello,
I notice that learners tend to be more engaged when the course material is brought into a relevant context. When material is connected to their personal lives and experiences, it seems to help the learning process tremendously.
Humbly,
Stacey
Marilyn,
Thank you for this post. Students want to know what their career will really be like. Another way to make the subject matter more relevant is to look for current events related to the field of study. Sharing current events and trends tends to reinforce the students' decisions.
Jeffrey Schillinger
Sharing experiences that I've had in the Medical field always keeps students interested and gives them a general idea of what to expect
The lab is our classroom so I engage the students with props,models,handouts and if there was something that they would like to bring and share with the class they are welcome to do that as well. They usually share their experience in a medical setting with the class either as a patient or a parent and I share mine and that seems to make things more intresting because everyone can relate to the different scenarios.
Latika,
Engaging assignments that require students to stay in contact with each other and with the teacher should have the effect you are looking for. Completely asynchronous courses are not always inspiring. Live chats, office hours and occasional phone contact can also help.
Jeffrey Schillinger
How can one keep online/Elearning students focused and interested in the course although it is online?
Amanda,
We call this positioning oneself as a "similar other." It is very effective.
Jeffrey Schillinger
I agree the students need to feel like there is a commonality between the themselves and their instructor. Also, the more we engage our students and keep them interested the better they will do when it comes to their success.
Cynthia,
Bringing one's experiences into the classroom can really help students see the picture.
Jeffrey Schillinger
I keep the students interested by implementing experience stories behind some of the concepts taught. They love to hear the stories concerning their new careers.
I strongly agree with keeping the classroom full of energy and interesting.. We as educators have to always keep in the back of our minds.. "Would we be interested and enjoy this class"? Because we students are happy and excited they will apply them selves more. And in turn be more successful.
Karyn,
Great post! Thanks for sharing these points.
Jeffrey Schillinger
I also feel that making the class challanging and relevant is a good way to keep the students coming back. Because my school has a lot of diverse learners (students that are adult learners, have jobs, families,etc.) understanding that a students' time is just a valuable as anyone elses' time is critical. Therefore, ensuring that each moment in the class is very valuable, where students are generally learning and engaging with the class material, will allow students not only to "want to come back" but also "not want to miss out" on anything.
When instructors have quality, solid lesson plans and hold the class to a high standard, students will be inclined to rise to the challange. (However, the challange must be attainable, and the instructor must be actively engaged with identifying and assisting any at-risk students.)
Cheryl ,
Thanks for this post. Some teachers take it as a personal insult whenever a student doses off.
Jeffrey Schillinger
Remembering the students have lives outside the classroom will give you a clue when the student wants to fall asleep. One of my new students kept closing her eyes. I found out she has a infant at home and it's keeping her awake. I suggested since she's awake anyway do her homework or a reading assignment.
Lillian,
What are some specific ways instructors cam "be diversified?"
Jeffrey Schillinger
Today there are so many diverse students. Culture and age. It is important for instructors to be diversified to be able to reach the students. Humor is always good. Allow the students to laugh and make it fun whenever possible.
I agree I get great feedback when I give personal examples. Students want to be able to relate to what you are talking about. Real-world value is important to students who are preparing to enter the work world.
