Get Your Students Hired
What strategies have you implemented for making a course's content relevant and applicable to the learning needs of students?
@gmeers : In teaching the Hospitalilty Supervision Course, I have a project for each team to design a restaurant from the ground up including all of the architectural drawings, business plan, flooring, paint colors, menu, logo, labor and employee training programs, Name and tag line for the restaurant. These are all great exercises for culinary and pastry students who will be graduating soon because they really get to see, feel and touch what it is like to open a restaurant or bakery and how much planning and money is required to do that successfully. I think it is so engaging on so many levels - they learn to set tables, fold napkins, write menus, etc. It covers everything and is so relevant to every part of being a Chef.
@gmeers :I instruct military folks...in fact, I am a retired Air Force officer. I try to get at what they are dealing with. It is different now, than when I was in their position. You have to get where they are, so that as you instruct, you can develop the appropriate way to evaluate them. I do that by interaction with them each day, and getting them to actively participate. I work one-on-one witheach student. It helps me find out where they are.
I am prone to make my curicullums, with enough leeway in them to allow for the unexpected, this keeps the students interested as they never know what to expect next
Hector,
This approach helps students to make a connection between the course content and application. The question gets them to thinking as they settle into the course and prepare to learn that day.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I agree, I also found that by asking them a question relevant to the topic before I start lecture and then sharing your own experience. You are helping them learn better when you can show how theory ties to real world experience. The key is to remember to tie the topic to what was shared. It makes it interesting and also others who don’t have experience can hear scenarios.
Aldo,
The more you can help your students see the direct connection between the content and skills being developed the better. By having them practice their Interstate driving as well as getting the vehicle in and out of situations such as a warehouse shows them both application and relevancy.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
As a CDL instructor several strategies can be used. anything from Interstate driving to going to a warehouse.
Visual aides....I use a variable type of visual aides to help the students better understand the content of the lecture. They include but are not limited to....
The actual item or part the lecture is about
videos
Written articles used as handouts
A mixture of all seem to work best for me.
Lisa,
I like this exercise because it reduces pressure on students but gives you a clear idea as to where your students are in their skill sets.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Having the students do a free writing lesson allows the instructor and the student the opportunity to see if the material can be used efficiently.
Often times in a basic studies course (general ed) the students are eager to "get past" the basic stuff and on the technical component of their field of study. I have learned that just mentioning bits of information that will tie the basic knowledge to the technical program, they stay interested and eager to learn.
One method I have incorporated in this area is having the students provide feedback and ask questions.
Chase,
My students love playing the Jeopardy game. They get competitive very quickly and can't wait until they get to play it the next time. I use it for review prior to tests. A lot of fun plus helps students to see they know more than they think they do.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I have implemented active learning strategies that give the students a break from lectures and gets them involved in the content. One of their favorites is a Jeopardy type game.
JAMES,
The more examples the better. As you have noticed I am sure your students really perk up when they have real life experiences related to them because they help make the content have value to them.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Sherral,
This is a great plan for students to follow. This way they know they have made meaningful realistic and informed career choices as it relates to where they are now in their studies.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Drawing comparisons to contemporary (every day examples)items that students have or may encounter in "real life".
JH
Student's Role
•Prepare for entry into college
•Develop, or begin to develop, awareness of personal, educational, and career goals
•Compile a list of paid or volunteer jobs and note whether they were enjoyable or not
•Make a list of courses or activities and note which were stimulating or boring
•Outline what tasks you enjoyed in your list of courses or activities and what made certain tasks more or less enjoyable
•Gather information about different colleges to select the right school for you
•Attend freshmen orientations to learn more about your school of choice
Brainstorming-this allows the student to focus on the topic at hand and while providing necessary feedback.