How to motivate students
Sometimes I think that I am ore excited about nursing than some of my students. The students know that we need to help the patients eat meals but sometimes the students are taking long lunch themselves and do not help the patients. I would be the only one that help. When I ask them why they did not help they would normally response "helping patients eat is a CNA job" I response that there is nothing like "CNA job" and that there are more RNs than CNA and that they can help. I also say that helping with feeding is a great way to reassess and comunicate with their patients. They will node their heads, help for a day or two and then will take long lunch again,
In order to help me get to know my students and their motivation for selecting the particular career, I have them write a one page autobiography and why they selected HIT as their career path.
This gives me insight into their life, their reasons for being in school and assists me in personalizing the course.
I am very passionate about the career I've chosen and want that to rub off on the students. I also believe that being a class manager/instructor, you are also a "cheerleader" for the students. In fact, we may be their only cheerleader in their life.
Hi Phillip:
I think we can provide an environment for motivation; true motivation has to come from within the student.
True and genuine enthusiasm, excitement, and interest in a subject can help induce a student to want to learn or improve their performance. We can do that.
When a student senses the teacher care about their learning, that can motivate. So offering encouragement and support can contribute to motivation. Portraying a non-judgemental or demeaning interaction with students helps. We can do that.
Providing a vision for a potential successful future can be a powerful motivator. I believe if a students sees or is led to seeing themselves using the course material in a beneficial waty that's important to them, they'll be more attentive and focused on learning.
We can do that.
Regards, Barry
Similar to what Galit has mentioned, it is pretty safe to say that I am certainly more excited about my field of expertise - mathematics - than my students are. I even had one former student put in an instructor evaluation "no one should enjoy doing math like he does." To put it lightly, if you do not look like you enjoy what you are doing as an instructor in your area of expertise, there is no reason for my students to have any reason to care about my subject area either.
Also, if we assure our students that we are available to assist them if they are having difficulty with the material, we will be able to motivate those students who might need the motivation the most. I probably spend more time tutoring students than anyone else in my building. Granted, that might have to do more with the subject matter than anything else, but the students know that I'm there, and that does give many the motivation to get them through the material.
The last thing we would want to do is to use the negative motivator of "if you don't pass, you'll have to repeat the course." It may work for some. However, the goal is to motivate for something as opposed to motivate for avoiding a consequence.
Hi Deborah:
Right! Either naturally or by help by teachers, students who learn to be self-reliant and inwardly motivated always seem to be the ones that are more successful - in class, work, life. What a privilege to be able to contribute to such powerful potential in individuals.
Regards, Barry
I am in total agreement that only students can truly motivate themselves. Instructors serve as the cheerleaders to develop that motivation. One thing that I have noticed is a lack of self-confidence with students that, once built, frees the student to soar.
Hi Anis:
I believe we can inspire, but the student has to be motivated from within. Words of encouragement and a sincere sense of caring and helpfullness can inspire students to be motivated to try harder and to do their best.
Regards, Barry
Rick,
Most definetly true! I remember when I was completing my graduate degree, I had this one teacher that I enjoyed so much I actually looked forward to class. She had charisma and so much enthusiasm.
Hi Anis,
I agree that to motivate we need to provide positive feedback as long as we are honest with the students. We cannot tell them you are doing great if they are not. I prefer to encourage them even when they have not done their best. Encouragement to prepare more or use different techniques to study.
I think that an important part to motivate a student is to give them some positive criticism.
Even if the students didn't do well, try to tell him this is good but if you change it a little it will be better.
Hi Rick:
Yes! I believe enthusiasm breeds enthusiasm. Students like to be around teachers that exude this affect.
Regards, Barry
motivating my students is pretty easy once they see how excited i am to be there to teach them something i know and enjoy.
Hi Mary:
In reality, students can only motivate themselves. Our job is to reveal that sparkle of light that resides within and ignite it into an explosion of excitement and anticipation of meaningful experiences ahead! True, too, some students need more urging, and "selling them" on an idea may be a helpful method to achieve that.
Regards, Barry
Motivating my students to learn can be tricky. Since there is a variety of backgrounds, I need to know my students and find their hot button so I can teach to that. My sales skills have helped me in knowing to sell to the need. This also applies in teaching.
Hi Galit:
I believe setting expectations at the beginning of the class can help diminish the inappropriate behavior you describe.
Regards, Barry
