Get Your Students Hired
I am a firm believer in sharing a few examples of how I was able to use information and technique that is presented during the course during my experince in the field.
I am curious as to how much time should be spent on this to get students engaged ?
I think one of the modt important ways to show relevancy is to show a strong connection to the students life. How can I use this information in a meaningful way in my life or on the job? Making that connection will motivate and strengthen the students connection to the content of the course.
Hi Melissa,
Students need more than just book theory. Anytime we can make learning apply to the real world we should through the use of field trips, guest speakers, mock learning, role playing, case studies, etc.
Patricia Scales
Hi Nicole,
Super idea! I do the same thing. Students love it when they can hear how it is in the real world from a graduate of the school. This is so inspiring and motivating.
Patricia Scales
Hi Dorothy,
This is mock learning and is very applicable to the real world. Students enjoy mock learning because this gives them a taste as to what they will do in the workplace.
Patricia Scales
Use real world examples and experiences. Where are the theories you are teaching used in real job categories. I use projects that a graduate would create on the job and explain how those projects fit into the specific job category, where and when they might find themselves doing this specific task.
I bring to class physical examples of project.
I may invite a speaker from the industry or a recent graduate that is performing that type of task on the job.
Showing relevancy of course content is being able to show students, through lived experiences, how the instructor has been able to apply content to real life situations. Further, discussing relevant world issues and situations while fostering critical thinking will adequately prepare the student beyond textbook learning.
I start each class with a portfolio review of my work edited to show examples of work directly related to the class. We discuss how the profession is linked and what I have experienced in the subject.
Dwane Adle, ASID AIA
Comprehensive Design Group, Inc
Adjunct Instructor - IADT Detroit
The best way that I show my students relevancy is to have an open door policy for graduates. I find that when the grads stop by my classroom, I have them do an "elevator speech" to talk about what their experience has been in the workforce. My current students respond very well, and they begin to create links to the current topic that we are discussing in class.
Have them complete application exercises that relate to the class.
For example Diagnostic Coding Students, who will be coding medical charts also play a part in gathering statsistical data.
I will have them do a health related survey and create a statistical chart. This will help them relate coding to Health Information Management/Statistics.
I think this is particularly important for Career College students. They want and need to know that what is being presented in class is important and relevant to their future career.
Relate course objectives to the applications of a job or position by giving examples, job descriptions, want ads, certification test examples for a particular job.
Show and tell them and give examples of how and why and what they are learning is relevant to their future work, or profession. Bring in guest speakers who are experts in the field to discuss their work. Bring in examples finished products to show how they can contribute the making of such a product through what they are learning.
Explain what are the particular requirements of obtaining a license for their profession. etc.
I develop real life scenarios of how the subject matter is used in a job capacity and allow my students to act it out.
By showing students how the course can further there personal or professional goals or how the course can provide more depth into a subject they are interested in. For a foundation type class how the skills learned will be needed for future success in other classes and other facets of the life.
Hi Rhonda,
You are going to encounter students with varying degrees of capabilities, but you must continue to teach. Those that are not reached needs to spend additional time with you, if time permits to get to a level of understanding. I have been teaching for over 23 years, and we get students that just do not get it on the first go round, and they need additional time. Perhaps, you can even find a peer tutor for the student.
Patricia Scales
I teach business classes to automotive students. While I try to tie the subject matter into information that they will use in their personal business transactions, I still get a lot of resistance because of the volume of book work that is required. Also, many of the students are not accustomed to the active learning methods and sit back and say, "Teacher, teach me." I will try to get their buy-in, but I also encounter students with varying degrees of abilities that makes covering material challenging.
Hi Patricia,
This is a great question to generate group discussion so that the students fully understand how they can benefit from the course.
Patricia Scales
Hi Ivy,
You are on point! Students love it when they can apply what they have learned. They understand the benefit of the course.
Patricia Scales
Hi Jagrup,
I love sharing with my students on Day 1 how the course applies to their career so that they undersand the relevancy of the course.
Patricia Scales