Get Your Students Hired
Jason,
Good way to connect the content with the career futures of students. This approach helps to make the content come alive and have value.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
all course content is covered. i try to inform students wich information i have found most relevant in my field experience
Ed,
You raise a good point about relevancy for students. I teach a gen ed required course as well. The students have to pass it to receive their state certification. They view the course as a hurdle to jump, climb over, crawl under or somehow survive and pass. Taking the approach that you do I try to show them how the course content has every day applications and can actually help them in life. Some get it and others just grind through it. Makes me sad with the latter bunch since I enjoy teaching the content a lot and have a lot of fun with my students via the activities we do. So I concentrate on those that are engaged and enjoy my time with them while I am trying to bring along my other group so they see relevancy as well.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Interesting and difficult, Gary.
I teach English composite in a technical school--med techs, etc....
At entry level, the writing they will do is formal, highly conventionalized--the format clear, easily understood.
By teaching a simple essay format, I try to show them that when they begin to progress in their careers, they will have learned how to communicate comfortably, easily, at higher levels in there respective careers.
Don't know how well this works, but....
Ed W.
Dave,
What are some strategies you use to show your students the relevancy of the content you are teaching? Thanks for your input on this.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I play videos for students of competitions or plate ups, provide additional handouts and have them take pics of their work to build professional portfolios
After the course content has been explained to students, I try to develop real-world examples of why the content is important for the students. This reinforces the importance of why comprehension of the course material is essential and will be useful in their future careers.
I will also ask students of a problem they may have previously encountered and how this course may help them arrive at a better decision. Students that have not been in the same situation are able to relate how their peers have handled this encounter and now...how this course, will improve their decision-making abilty.
Laura,
Good reinforces because you are sending signals to your students in terms of how important the content is to the field and why they need to learn it. These cues will help them in note taking as well as focus them on what they need to study when tests are given.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I give frequent reminders about the value of the content or how will this information or learning this skill help the student in their career. I add verbal cues to my lecture, such as, "this is important," or "make sure you understand this concept."
Mercedes,
This is a great approach because it is student centered, in that you are using their input to shape how you are going to add additional content in the course. By building on their life experiences you are giving value to them as individuals and they will respect you for this. With respect earned you and your students will move to the development of rapport between and among yourselves and this is where expanded learning will occur.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Usually I ask them in the first class to introduce themselves, why they've decided to take my course and what experience they've had in the past that relates to the course. Throughout the course, as I administer quizzes I give bonus questions at the end that ask them what they would like to learn in upcoming workshops or lectures (eg, "What would you like to learn about in the upcoming Final Cut Pro editing workshop?"). I find this helps me ensure I'm touching on information that is beneficial to their learning, and not repetitive.
Jill,
What a great area to be able to teach in. With things changing as rapidly as they are you are never without current examples that can be shared. Since you are letting them work with your clients they are getting real world experience while still students. This is a great situation for them because they are going to have not only knowledge but also experience to take into the workplace with them.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Mercedes,
How do you go about getting the information from your students so you can keep current on their knowledge and needs? Thanks for your input on this.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Carlos,
I teach a gen ed course as well and you are right about the challenge of getting career oriented students to see the value of the course. In my case they have to have it to receive their state certification. Your approach is what I use in terms of "selling" my content and making connections between the course and their career choice. When they see that connection they increase their participation and become more engaged but it is an ongoing effort for sure.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Since I mostly teaching marketing and advertising course I take a look at the current trends happening in those industries and I speak to and teach to those things. In addition, I allow students to apply their knowledge and skill and let them work with my clients. It's a great experience for everyone involved as the students get to produce work that will be used in the real world and my clients appreciate contributing to the students learning process.
I have tied the course content to applications in various fields. It is a challenge to teach a Liberal Arts or General Education course, to students in career focused programs. They don't seem to see the need for well rounded educational programs. By demonstrating the use of critical thinking, and writing prose out of field, I am able to better engage the students.
Sarah,
Good suggestion for instructor to remember. By placing yourself in the role of the student you can see where you need to change, modify, or expand instructional components to reinforce the learning process of your students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.