Well my coarse is Motion Graphics and most students taking my class are hoping to enter the Motion Graphics field...none the less I show them examples of what past students have done and what are current trends in the industry. I compare what past students have done with professionals and they seem 99% of the time ready to go after that . Seeing how close past students results look "industry ready" students feel like they can do it themselves and gain courage.
That's just it. What are some of those ways? I, of course, have a passion for the subject matter and that shows. I emphasize how philosophy challenges our ways of thinking and our assumptions. Some get it, but overall the buy-in is low. We live in a very pragmatic world that has little regard for subjects like philosophy. That is even more the case in a vocational school where students are there as a means to a career.
Hi Debra,
As instructors we should make it a point to make learning apply to the real world. YouTube is a great source to show real-life examples.
Patricia Scales
Show students how what they are learning matters in real life. This is one of the most effective motivation techniques, especially for older students, as it lends meaning and purpose to their hard work. Guide them to discuss the new material, and allow students to draw on their own experiences to enrich and comprehend the new material.
A. Wilson
As a massage therapy instructor I bring in real world examples of how their course will apply to them as they enter into their career. One way I do this is to give example of what can happen when proper procedures and attention to work are not followed. I also show them the positive results of following procedures and having a dedicated attention to the work they will be doing. Dedicating time for guests how have experienced both the positive side and negative side of massage is very important.
I completely agree with Salvatore's response, especially as an instructor teaching game, graphic and fashion design as well as animation. To a certain extent, it is easier since these are "attractive" career fields based on the glamour of creativity and supposed cult of personality.
However, I always stress to them that these fields, though potentially lucrative, only are successful if the student is fully committed to the craft of creating, rather than financial reward, as those who are the most successful in these fields are the ones who are the most passionate about the craft.
Hi Darrren,
Sharing personal experiences/stories as they apply to the course content is very exciting for students. Students want to hear how things really are in the real world.
Patricia Scales
I am an instructor at a military academy. The students who attend our course and selected for attendance and for the most part are excited about just being selected for attendance.
There are several methods we use to show our students the relevancy of the course. First, we keep the content up-to-date. Students who know they are learning the "latest and greatest" are keenly aware that they can put those lessons to work immediately. We discuss the significant achievements of former students and bring former students back as instructors. We also bring in guest speakers who speak about the relationship between the curricula and world events...specifically how learning 'x' will better enable a student to deal with y' in the future.
Ask some students about their job, position or career plan then relate specific aspects of the course to them to show how it (the course) will help them in their current role or help them attain their new role or career goal.
Pick some students to describe their current or desired jobs/goals then illustrate how your course will assist them in being better at their current job or achieve their goals.
It's always good to connect the course to real life experiences. When teaching head and neck anatomy to my students I like to explain why its important to know and how it will affect their work as a dental assistant. I also think that if you create scenarios that you can incorporate some of the concepts and areas that you've been lecturing about, it will help them see the connection between the course and their future job.
I also agree that bringing in guest speakers with relevant work experience can reinforce the various points we teach in class.
Many times a guest speaker can get students to ask questions or share concerns they have about working in the real world that they would not otherwise share.
I like the idea of using products. I intend to use multiple projects in my class and use this as an opportunity to set up groups that can work together on them.
Hi Jiba,
Passion plays a vital role in any career!
Patricia Scales
Hi Christopher,
I let my students know how the particular course will help them gain success in their chosen field of study.
Patricia Scales
Hi Martha,
Guest speakers are priceless, and they add great flavor to any course. Students want to hear about the real world; guest speakers can give them an ear full about the real world.
Patricia Scales
Hi Kizmit,
I agree! Scenarios serve as a great way to help the students prepare for the real world.
Patricia Scales
Hi Laura,
I love having students do projects that will help them better understand their career as it pertains to the workplace.
Patricia Scales
Hi Brian,
Super ways to share course relevancy! I love having graduates as guest speakers and as coworkers; this serves as a great way to motivate current students!
Patricia Scales
The students really enjoy when I share stories or examples of how the material applies to the professional setting. They like to hear how we apply the learning to the hospital setting.
It gets them excited and they want to learn more!
I also use guest speakers. The feedback about guest speakers is always excellent.
