keep focus
i alwayes tell them stories of my experiance
I like to tell stories about what I went through going though the same process they are now in.
What is the age of the students you teach? Is it an online enviroment or ground?
Do you consider telling stories about yourself a way to keep yourself focused or helping the students focus?
Personally, very rarely do I use this tatic in my courses.
A story of how I worked 60h a week in addition of going to school full time while at IU does not necessarily mean a single mom who is in danger of being down-sized from work is going to appreciate or even relate to the course or to myself better. Rather, the student may lose focus and become more distant if she believes she suddently can't measure up to another person.
Yes, I tell my students about my experiences in my practice but I make sure that that has something to do or related to our topic/discussion. Most students are interested in personal experiences.
I have use personal experiences in my lecture to get the students attention and show them how to apply the subject matter into a real life scenario.
James,
Students really like it when you share your career experiences with them. These stories help to make the content come alive and motivates them.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
