Developing a rapport with students is very important as it will motivate them to want to do well. If students like you as a teacher they will attend class and turn in their assignments. It is all part of the big plan to be successful as a teacher. Develop the rapport with the student and the rest will follow.
I like to offer students different options to complete their assignments, and let them choose what is best for them. Having several examples to pick from is a good way for students to feel a sense of independence but also make decisions on their own.
Offering cash or such rewards is not always possible so why not just use praise or give extra credit points to motivate the student to want to do well? I do not think paying the student to perform is a good idea.
Hi Rebecca,
Good point and as you say one we need to always keep in mind. If we do we will be able to earn the respect of our students while establishing rapport with them. With these two things in place then growth will occur and success will come the way of the student.
Gary
Sharing experiences and personal knowledge helps to motivate students and helps them to maintain focus in the classroom. But, I have also learned that we also have to keep a student's cultural background in mind when trying to motivate them. Each person learns in their own way, and each of us is also guided by what we have learned within our individual cultural setting. If one teaches in an institution with a very culturally diverse student body, being culturally aware of your students' background is essential.
There are a few techniques that I use that really motivate students. During lecture I ask them questions,and I give them information that is not in their books.
Hi Jean,
All this things add up to involvement. The key is to offer opportunities for the students to get involved and use their newly acquired knowledge. When they do that they get motivated.
Gary
Hi Joel,
Right you are. If you are motivated and enthusiastic about your content your students will be as well. Spread the excitement and everyone will benefit.
Gary
Offer games, offer career cash for doing well; and for enthusiastic class participation
One way that keeps motivation in the classroom is to keep myself motivated. When the students see that, it helps them stay motivated as well.
Hi William,
Right you are. They must see the relevancy if they are going to value what they are studying. They need to realize this is real and it impacts their future. Once they see that they can focus on being successful in their training.
Gary
Hi Hazel,
Good way to connect the dots for students. You are showing the application and relevancy of your course content to your students with these examples.
Gary
To me, the student must completely understand the relevancy of their class to their career. If they see how the course will help them in their career or to find a job. A big motivation for students is to improve their employment situation. Therefore, if they can match the class to their job improvement, they will be more motivated to well in the class.
I share my experiences with the students on how effective the course I teach have helped me in my career and personal life.
Hi Hazel,
Right you are. What are some strategies you can share with us in how you show your excitement and passion for your field? Thanks for your input on this.
Gary
Some ways to assist students to become motivated and excited about the courses I teach is to show excitment and show my passion for the courses.
Hazel
I agree with you Myung about everyone has to be on board with making the students feel welcome and supporting them. I like to boast about my students accomplishments to them. I sometimes walk around the class and I will say to the class how proud I am of them for hanging in when things get a little challenging. Just saying that I am proud of them boost their level of competence.
Hazel
Hi Linda,
Right you are about enthusiasm being contagious. If we don't have it or don't display it the students are not going to rise to it. We have to be motivated by the fact we get to teach content about our field and help students achieve their career goals. This should get us really excited.
Gary
Enthusiasm is contagious. If I am motivated and excited about my course, this is passed on to students. Keeping up to date on advancements in my field, and the ability to pass this on to students is exciting. I hope that they can use this information in the clinical setting, and return with examples. This once again motivates me--everyone likes that positive reinforcement--and the cycle starts over.
Hi David,
With this approach you are connecting the dots for the students. You are helping them to see relevancy and application to what they are learning in a practical way.
Gary
