A student challenges the curriculum's relevance. How can you engage them in meaningful dialogue?

Students have every right to challenge the curriculum's relevance. The students are the biggest stakeholders in higher education and their future is intricately associated with it. The first thing is to listen to the student's concerns vis-a-vis the curriculum. The next task is to make a note of the concerns and do an objective analysis of the concerns expressed. If the concerns are valid, an expert committee should be set up. If the expert committee suggests changes, steps should be initiated to implement those changes at the earliest. The biggest mistake Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) make is not to listen to students. Contemporary education needs a more nuanced and empathetic approach. Hierarchical top-down education is not viable!

Efficiency is paramount when handling a heavy research workload and student assessments. Using grading rubrics can establish clear expectations and speed up evaluations. Moreover, integrating technology can greatly boost productivity. Automated tools for tasks such as grammar checking and plagiarism detection streamline routine processes, freeing up more time for delivering personalized feedback, which is most impactful.

To engage a student challenging the curriculum's relevance, Listen First by actively hearing their concerns without judgment. Encourage open dialogue by asking insightful questions about their interests and goals. Validate their perspective and collaboratively explore how the curriculum can be tailored or supplemented to better align with their aspirations. This approach fosters mutual respect and a sense of ownership in their education, promoting a more meaningful and relevant learning experience.

First off, I love when people question the status quo. Without challenge, there is no validation. Education is no different; students have the right to be fulfilled by their education. Therefore, I would charge anyone in this position to listen intently, to understand, rather than respond. Unless this is a real-time conversation, I would take time, maybe overnight, to consider the critique. And perhaps, if the critique is legitimate enough, then we go from there. If you must respond, provide an understanding response that doesn't patronize or promise. Chances are you are not the policymaker, so ensure the student feels heard without selling them a dream.

Even better, bring real-world examples into your classroom. If you struggle with this, seek assistance from your career center or teaching center. By doing this, you help students see the value in your curriculum beyond just content. We are already teaching really important skills and competencies - we should make sure students recognize them!

If a student comes up with his/her argument we should be welcoming towards it. Collaborating with them will help them to reflect and understand more and even we can get better suggestions from them. We should listen to them without being biased or judgemental. Including them in curriculum development process will enable then to understand why the curriculum is designed the particular way also we should encourage then to give their suggestions this can help us to come up with something of best interest to students.

While I spoke about listening to a student, it also pays to integrate critique into changes. First, we need to see if all engaged students feel the same way. If a student is dialed out, maybe this will make them dial in. Once we get to a consensus, we can make changes, as is appropriate with regulations. At the collegiate level, instructors have far more freedom to make modest to moderate changes to curriculum. More activity should not only change what is taught to engage students, but HOW it is taught. There are courses I would have found boring if not for the way my professors engaged us. My Calculus teacher was Chinese-born and had an amazing singing voice. We have to use things like this to get our students involved and feeling seen.

To engage a student challenging the curriculum's relevance, Reflect and Adapt by first reflecting on their feedback and understanding their perspective. Share your thoughts and be open to change. Adapt the conversation by discussing potential modifications or additions to the curriculum that align with their interests and goals. This collaborative approach ensures the curriculum remains relevant and engaging, fostering a more dynamic and student-centered learning environment.

First, it is important to ensure that the curriculum is future-focused. Curricula should provide students the foundation to continue to grow and thrive as people, citizens, and workers. You can show students surveys that highlight the skills that employers are seeking now and will likely seek in the future and the show them how they develop those skills through the curriculum. You might even want to provide an example using an assignment to show the connection to life after they complete their program of study.