Using Standards as Guidelines
Why is it important to use your field standards as guidelines when selecting course content?
I feel as though my job is to get my students ready to enter the field. If you don't use field standards in your lesson planning then how would you expect your students to get a job.
John,
I agree. The primary idea of a "career college" is to provide students with an experience that will prepare them for their desired career. Therefore, all classes need to meet the specifications and guidelines of their appropriate fields. In addition, Advisory boards are generally utilized to ensure that school program's are "up-to-par" with the industry standards.
Tremayne Simpson
field standards are what our students are hoping to achieve. by building these standards into our course, the student can see the value in the course material and creates a better learning enviroment
It helps because it lets the students know what is expected of them in the industry or feild they are learning about.
Our industry partners are holding us to train entry level technicians. By using their (industry) guidelines and standards we are better able to produce a competent technician.
Charles,
This sounds like an effective procedure. In addition, it provides the senior technicians with the opportunity to serve as mentors and display their leadership skills.
Tremayne Simpson
i agree, its the correct way of teaching we need to show them the standards and correct way of doing the JOB, the class needs to be alot like what the job is, thats how its done in the field should be the same in class.
In my field, our standards are always in question by both physicians and their supervisors and without the knowledge to defend our answers, you will find their respect in you will fail. You need to build your students to the highest standards needed in the field they have choosen so they will be confindent in their careers.
Lisa,
I agree. In addition, students should continuously do personal research in their desired field of study, to better understand their selected career path.
Tremayne Simpson
The field standards are the product specifications supplied to us by the customer (industry) for the product we are building (entry level employees).
Not only are our students competing with other schools that provide the saem training, but they are also competing with the industry itself. We must refer to industry guidelines to ensure that the information we are providing our students is accurate and up to date.
Geneva-Marie,
Thank you for your post. As I mentioned earlier in the discussion thread, students and instructors (professional development) should research and review industry standards, in order to understand the direction of the desired field of study. Standards can be questioned (by faculty or students), when the guidelines are not aligned with the trends of the industry.
Tremayne Simpson
OUr industry is constntly changing. Keeping the material current is essential to make sure our students are up to date and ready to enter the work force.
Warren,
I agree completely, updating the program curricula is an important task for all programs. Faculty and administration should work in tandem to ensure that the course content, textbooks and materials are aligned with the appropriate field of study. What industry do you represent?
Tremayne Simpson
Using the standards and information that is relevant in industry and up to date is essential to the student’s success. If we provide antiquated or dated material that is not relevant to the given field in which we are teaching, we set our students up failure at all levels.
Bruce ,
In addition, if the curricula is not reviewed and updated, it would also prove to be a "negative" for the institution. We must develop competent graduates that are aware of industry trends and well-prepared for their careers. Reputations are built/maintained based upon the quality of graduates, that are produced from the institution.
Tremayne Simpson
It is important to use field standards because our students will be encountering situations that will demand that knowledge. Like in culinary school, our emphasis is on classic techniques but I find that it benefits the students if I bring in modern techniques into the classroom.
Jimmy,
Thank you for your post. Do your students compare and contrast the differences/similarities between the classic and modern techniques?
Tremayne Simpson
It is important to use Standards of field we teach. I teach the first foundation class and it is me to demo the subject and the students to take notes. The students will then do the material in the next class. To follow Standards is the way to go.
