Get Your Students Hired
I find it fun and helpful when lecturing on a subject that is completely new to a class to try and relate the new subject matter through an analogy that the students already understand.
Elna,
I really appreciate you having shared this story. It is very evocative and I plan on using it immediately (ok, well tomorrow!). Interestingly, it will not be with my students but rather my teaching partner.
He is familiar with teaching students further in their learning experience and is currently teaching students with much smaller skill sets at the beginning of thier education. The delivery really needs to be the latter not the former for these students or they can feel intimidated.
Thanks again!
Maureen
Bruce,
I really was glad to see your thread! Thanks for adding it. I teach students culinary and like automotive some things have to be seen, touched, or experienced prior to talking about them but the curriculum does not always flow that way. I have found analogies and mnemonics so helpful. The analogies give the students a way to wrap their heads around a foreign concept and the mnemonics give a great way to remember those specifics required to master the skill.
Maureen
Hi Elna,
Great story and great example. That is what the majority of teaching is all about. Lighting the way to reveal potential and opportunities.
Thanks.
Gary
I have found an analogy delivered thru the vehicle of an applicable story can become an unforgettable analogy. The other day I was trying to convey to my daughter who is on her first year of internship, learning how to be an influence to others. So I told her the analogy that our influence on others is like a flashlight. We can use it like a police officer shining a blinding powerful light at the face of an apprehended individual or we can use it to aim the light at a pathway in the dark to help someone find a safe way to reach their destination. In a manner of speaking The first, merely sees the person's present condition...the latter sees the person's future potential.
An excellent strategy I often employ myself. Infinately more effective if the anaolgy is related to something comtemporary to their age bracket. I.e early twenty-somethings OR seniors
Hi Joseph,
Good job! The key is for the students to make the connection between the classroom and the career. You are helping them to make that connection.
Gary
I agree, I teach auto tech, and I constantly use simple real world analogies to help students understand new concepts.
Hi Bruce,
As an instructor you are always trying to build on the knowledge base from which your students operate. You example of relating new content to an analogy that students understand is a good approach.
Keep up the good work.
Gary