Giving students early successes really helps to get and keep them motivated. No matter how small if they see success early they will think that they really can great things.
by giving them real examples of how their knowledge is going to help others and save lifes
Thanks, Nicole! An excellent example of the instructor's "model" role. We, in fact, are representatives of the discipline, the industry, our schools, and even the educational process to our students - a daunting but exciting role!
Jay Hollowell
ED101 Guest Facilitator
I find the best way to help my students become motivated and excited about my course is to teach them through 'real-life' examples. Since I teach lab classes this is fairly easy to do, but it makes a big difference to the students to know why they have to learn something or do it a certain way.It also makes them respect me because I have the industry experience they hope to have some day.
I have found that asking some basic questions has worked for me in the past are: "Why are you here?" "What would you like to learn in this class?" Let the student know what to expect and get them to participate in their learning. Talk to the students and find out their interests and try and gear the examples or teaching instructions to their interests.
Hi Maria,
You are right it is a total package for instructors. They need to be aware of all that they are doing in their professional role. Students are very observant and we all must reflect professionalism all the time.
Gary
One of the best ways is to show your interest on the subject you are teaching. You may talk to them about your own personal experiences and work in the industry. How you present your self to the class, the way you dress, and the way you interat with your students also help motivate them.
One of the ways that will help to motivate students is to try to bring current events into the class. If the students can relate the class materials to something they are more familiar with it can really help to motivate them to participate.
Help them envision working in the field.
Hi Kim,
There are a number of ways you can bring humor into the classroom. One is to look for examples of how someone has made a mistake in your career field and share this with students. Another is to look for cartoons that will work in the classroom and put them in various sections of your PowerPoint presentations. I let students share some humorous examples with the class that they have experienced or read about.
Gary
Thank you, James, for confirming what I've always thought--the drama of theatre is not altogether different from what's needed in the classroom. In fact, instead of just an additional tool in the instructor's tool kit, it should be considered an essential component in successfully connecting with one's students. Sometimes, I feel a little odd assuming various "characters" as the content directs, but its reassuring to know I'm not alone in my attempt to make learning interesting and engaging.
Yes, staying up to date with current events seems to be a great way to apply real-world scenarios in the classroom. I find that the more I read current events magazines or newspapers, the more likely I am to have an example come readily to mind in the middle of a discussion. You speak of humor, and I wonder what might be some approaches to adding humor that you find effective in the classroom?
Firstly you can be excited yourself. Show them examples of your field that excite you and let that get them excited too. You may also try to figure out what specifically they are looking forward to in their field and explore/expand on that topic, show real life examples of it etc.
Hi Sandy,
Showing you care is powerful when it comes to a student that is on the bubble of dropping out. A slight nudge either way will bring that student back into the classroom for the duration of the course or send him/her out of school without the needed education. The methods you are using show that you want success to be a part of their future.
Gary
Hi Ray,
Great to hear about the clickers method. They are being field tested in several of our courses here at my college. It is interesting to hear the students' responses to using them. This is another tool that can help guide instructors and engage students in the learning process. We need to use all the resources we can to keep our students focused on learning outcomes.
Gary
I try to relate what we are learning to real-life, either with examples from my own work experience, or the students work experience. Also, if a student seems discouraged or is absent, I call or email them to see what the problem is...a lot of the time, that one phone call will save them from completely giving up. I also try to incorporate various teaching methods in addition to lecture, like group activities, videos, and field trips.
I have been teaching nursing for 22 years in another college and just accepted this position and am required to take this course (which I am enjoying). I have recently been introduced to Motivated response system (Iclickers). This has been an excellent way to motivate students. They are eager for the next question in the lecture. At first the students are interested in their own answers but by the end of the lecture the class has a whole are trying to get the right answer. I am really enjoying this tool in motivating my students.
Hi Sandy,
What are some strategies that you have used to keep your students motivated?
Gary
-I need to first be motivated in order to motivate others
-Find out what interests them and relate the lesson to their interests
-Be encouraging and complimentary as well as provide constructive criticism and suggestions on how to improve.
Hi Martha,
You are right on with your sharing of why you like teaching in your area. The students can see that you are excited about the field and this transfers to them as well. It is a really motivating force.
Gary
