This site is a class blog space for new Career and Technical Specializations and Heathcare Science teachers enrolled in the New Teacher Institute (NTI) at Georgia State University in Atlanta, Georgia.
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
Find Out Their Passion
I run into the problem of having students that have no interest in graphic design on constant occasions. However, I've found a formula that so far has worked and brought them in. It's not easy, and can be discouraging to a teacher some times, but eventually they buy in.
After I realize the student has no interest in my field, I inquire about their individual passion. For example, I have students who want to become doctors. In this case, I tie in graphic design projects with healthcare by explaining that graphic design affects our daily lives. Their interest in becoming a doctor is more prominent when reading healthcare marketing material and watching doctor television shows that rely heavily on graphic arts. Once they realize graphic design plays a major role even in their profession, in most cases, I win them over. If all else fails, and their behavior becomes a problem, I turn to the counselor as the very last resort.
Shirley, I agree that you have to find the student's passion. I like your theory that by showing them how graphic arts relates to their passion, you can usually draw them in. If the students have any interests whatsoever in ever having their own businessess, knowledge of graphic arts, even at the most basic level can be very beneficial.
ReplyDeleteI find that with CTE classes because there is a lot of hands on activities, it seems easier to win the students over because they don't have to sit and take notes for the entire class period. That is an incentive in and of itself. I wish that the student's could understand the value of the opportunity that they have in CTAE classes!
Hi Shirley,
ReplyDeleteI believe it is essential to demonstrate to your students how graphic arts relate to their passion. That's something we all have to do as CTAE teachers, we must relate the content area to them. Sometimes it's hard for us to try to make that connection with the kids because as you stated before, there are kids who simply don't want to be in our classes.
Another important strategy is if you demonstrate to the kids that you show that you care for them then that will make them want to pay attention to you even more. All it takes is that "light bulb" moment for that one student and they will definitely start to see the purpose of your class.