Student Motivation
An important part of releating to students involves learning their names. What other areas in the classroom can we relate to our students?
Sound good,Will try that in the lab.
Alan, I like that idea but one of the most important motivation tactics is how I greet the class.
The instructor sets the tone in the class and speaking to each student by name is always uplifting to them.
Too often I see students walking in the class and the instructor is in front of the class and never look up. When they take the role, they do not look up and wait for the student to respond to their name.
Once the role is taken it is business as usual.
Bette,
Calling on students by name does personalize the relationship and helps focus attention on the question. Most times I will address my students as "Mr" or "Ms" in a group setting, but by first name in individual, private conversations. Just a preference. For me, this helps promote a professional classroom setting.
Barry Westling
My methods of name memory technique relates to posting grades. Once i write their name, it helps me remember.
Travis,
I agree, and students usually find supplying this kind of information as "the instructor is taking an interest in me". This can also help build trust and respect. Motivation comes from within, but an instructor can create an environment that is conducive to motivational aspirations.
Barry Westling
I would have to say learning to asking about he or her hobbies and maybe where they are from. It very important for me to learn as much about my students as possible. I believe that it makes your job a lot easier once the instructor discovers what motivate their students the most.
Cathleen,
Great. We all know students learn differently, and techniques you introduce along with mnemonics students might incorporate merge to enhance memory and meaning. Application, especially in readiness for work would be a great accomplishment.
Barry Westling
Alan,
Creative assignments like this can be an inspiration and a fun exercise to complete.I'm glad you had success with it.
Barry Westling
I do not ascribe to rote learning when introducing medical terminoloy to students. When translating Latin and Greek terms I always reference the english word and include the etymology, spelling and meaning of each. I ask the students to use any reference that has particular meaning to them and include those hints on the flash cards they create.
One of the motivation projects I have used is, they had to write an essay on "what there perfect day would be". My class loved it. It was aan eye opener for my students and it was interesting how they wanted to share that. It opened themselves up. Made them keep it inside there book. When they would get discouraged I would say read your paper.
Antonio,
I believe students can have a place of respite in our classroom, a respite from all the circumstances that are a reality in their private lives, and because of that environment, we can provide brief periods where for a time, the student can focus on just their own self improvement and achievement.
Barry Westling
Motivating students is one of the greatest challenges instructors face. While it is true that as instructors we have little, if any, control over external factors that influence our students’ behavior and engagement, we do play a vital role in shaping what occurs in our classroom. In fact, our instructional choices can make a positive impact on student motivation
John,
As a "name memory" technique, I will go around the room asking for the student name, the city they live in, if their married or not, children, biographical stuff like that. I usually amaze the class when at the end, I recite everyone's name, their city, and something about them. What they don't realize (until I tell them afterwards) that they just experienced one of the most effective memory techniques, that is, by repetition. As each student I go to, I precede that with the names and information that came before. By the time I'm done, I've recited most peoples names and information many times, so it's really not that difficult. Then I use that information as a springboard for other chats that are likely to occur during the term.
Barry Westling
