Motivating Students
Motivating students that think they cannot learn anything, should be one of our priorities
Hi Brandi,
Good strategy. Students really like these stories as you mention. This helps them to see you as human as well as knowing that you have been successful in the career area that they are studying. This really helps in develop respect for you and your knowledge.
Gary
I always try to incorporate real-life stories that have occurred while in the field to let them know that we all make mistakes and we learn from them, but what a huge pay-off and learning experience we can gain from them. Sometimes students like to hear that you are human too.
June,
I love that! I always tell my students, although I need money to survive, money is not the motivator for what I do. I have to love my job in order to give it my all. I know that is hard to relay to a struggling student but this has helped. Entry level positions in my line of work is not great but it pays off.
I have found that there is a way to unlock everyone. Even those who have acquired great knowledge and expertise. I still find something to add to their experience which in turn will make both teacher and student feel like the time spent was valid.
Hi June,
You sure have. You have done it through the sharing of your knowledge of the field as well as your life experiences. This gives your students a much greater understanding of what they can achieve if they are willing to put forth the effort.
Gary
One way I have motivated my students was to let them see how excitied I was when I started my first job and how I welcomed anyone that was interested in learning. I have worked on jobs and have motivated the some of the clerical staff to want more out of live than just a paycheck, I have often said you must like your job in order to be excellant at it and also you must show enthusiam in order to help others. Many students have enjoyed how I have applied my education and experience with my teaching. With this being said I have motived many students.
Hi Franco,
Good quote because I have had such students. They are a real challenge because they know it all. I try to find a way of encouraging them to expand their knowledge base through special projects and group activities. Sometimes I am successful and other times they just keep their attitude which results in them having challenges in the workplace because they learn then that they don't know it all.
Gary
This may very well be one of the most difficult challenges of an educator. It certainly is one of the most rewarding when successfully engaged. I would also perhaps expand the question to also include motivating those who don't think there is more to learn. As Epictitus, a pre-Socratic philosopher once said something like: it it impossible to learn that which you already think you know. These students can perhaps be even more difficult to motivate.
