Student feedback
I know the instructor can affect the perception of course objectives. My question is this: How much does the instructor affect the proper perception of course objectives?
I know I try to explain the course objectives on the first day and reinforce these throughout the term.
Just reading the course objectives from the syllabus is not enough to sustain proper perception of course objectives. Adult learners are smarter than that. You need to make sure what you say you are teaching is what you are truely teaching. If you constantly get off the subject in your class, then the perception of the students is that either you are incompetent, or don't really care if learning objectives are met.
I certainly try to reinforce the objectives throughout the quarter. Granted, reading the objectives isn't enough, but I don't want to get too far above their heads on day one. This can add to their stress level and make retention a problem.
Remember that students are constantly asking the question "why do I need to know this". Answering that question could be an effective way to demonstrate your course objectives.
Before I teach any topic, I explain to the students what we are going to be learning and them telling them WHY we need to know this material. I find that telling a story that relates to the topic or an experience that is related to the topic, makes the student more receptive to the information being presented.
Sstudents are always asking,will I ever use this in the field. I try and let them know that everything we teach them will be used in one way or another.
it often takes multiple approaches from different techniques to affect a perception
Yes, storytelling can be very powerful. A good story can make a much greater impact than just stating something as fact and moving on. And stories that involve real situations with your own clients (I'm a massage therapist) also highlight the relevance at the same time.
I hope that it's easy to demonstrate to the students that the skill will be used. Do you have guest lecturers come in to validate what's being taught?
Teaching massage therapy students from the perspective I have as a 14-year therapist gives me ample opportunity to relate what we are learning each day to how I might use it in my practice. It excites them and I can see in their eyes that they enjoy the stories of real-life situations they could encounter some day.
I totally agree with you. You need to explain why we need to know the material. It makes it more believeable when you make it personal with an experience you have had in your past that relates to the topic you are presenting.
