My method of meeting the customers expectations
I try and query the students about what their expectations are from the class, not just on a piece of paper but actually have a discussion about what they want to get out of the class. If the expecations are not in line with the learning objectives I try and explain how what we plan on learning may benefit them in some way either now academically or later in their career. By linking some practical piece to the learning objectives, they are typically more satisfied as customers and their expectations are met early on.
Hi Brian,
Adult learners need to undersand the benefit of a particular course in order to appreciate the course. They need to know how the course will benefit them either or both personally/professionally.
Patricia Scales
I find that in teaching court reporting the student's/customer's expecatations are most often met when I teach them not only theory and speed building but also the practical things they will be doing in the field of court reporting; i.e, learning advanced edit features on their software, sharing and discusing live scenarios occurring in the field, current events, etc. They also enjoy when I incorporate examples of my work in the field in to their learning experience.
I believe that adult learners are more productive and motivated when they feel like they are learning from real life examples of their chosen career. I believe it makes them feel like they are paying for quality training when their training is coming from someone who is current in the field in which they are training.
I have a bad habit of being brutally honest with my students. I tell them at the start that they may not directly use the facts that I'm teaching them -- but that they will absolutely use the skills that come with the content.
I get away with this because it's true. I teach grammar. The odds of someone asking a student in the allied health field to identify a noun or a verb is relatively non-existent.
The skills, however, which include critical thinking as well as the ability to research, select valid sources, discard useless sources, read, understand, take notes, create an organized outline, write a draft, edit, and produce a final, clean copy are critical thinking and problem-solving skills that cross all careers.
My adult students appreciate the honesty. Very few of them come in knowing just how vital written communication is as one moves up the career ladder.
Ultimately, of course, it's all about helping them see the point of a class that, as many tell me at the start, has nothing to do with their chosen career path.
Hi Kathy,
You are definitely thinking correctly! Students love it when we make learning apply to the real world!
Patricia Scales
Hi Michelle,
Honesty is the best policy. I always liked it when my professors were honest with me. It is always best to shoot straight from the hip, and people will always know your stance.
Patricia Scales
If you tell them at the beginning of the course what they will be learning and how they will get there, there are no surprises.
you tell them what to expect.
Hi Robert,
Being up front with your students is important. They know exactly what needs to be done.
Patricia Scales
I try to use real world examples in all of my teaching. I invite students to share their experiences and pair those experiences with lessons. As a result, all of my students have opportunities to see real world applications.
Hi Sandi,
Students love hearing our sttories as they apply to the content to help them prepare for the real world.
Patricia Scales
