We do field trips to different medical practices, labs or hospitals. We also get speakers to come to the classroom which gives the students an opportunity to ask questions that they may hesitate to ask an instructor.
I have worked in the field for 40 years in addition to teaching it for the past 15 years. I find that the students learn from and enjoy "real" stories and examples of things that happen in the field that they sometimes cannot get out of a textbook. It usually generates a lot of questions from them as well.
The idea of non verbal language in an asynchronous teaching environment is very interesting. Do you have any recommendations for when the course content is almost all non verbal?
I teach statistics classes. I find that most students view math classes as tasks that they have to do. I try hard to help each student take away one practical application that they may see again in their daily life. Once that connection is made the class becomes less about a task and more about learning.
I agree with Lynn and I have set up a rule in my class that sentences like " I can't" or " I don't know" are not allowed. I tell them that nothing is impossible and its only a question of trying it. It works and this actually motivates them and brings positivity in the class. They get confidence that their instructor is really interested in their success.
Hi Lynn,
You make a number of good points but one really stands out to me and that is the one about helping the student to personally relate to the material and the course. This is so important to the learning process. The students need to internalize the content in such a way that they see application and relevancy to what they are learning. When this occurs they start to get "ah-ha" moments.
Gary
I believe students can become more motivated and excited about a class if you begin with clear objectives and goals for the student to begin and end with. Bringing real life examples to the student on how and where they will use the knowledge and skills gives them a reason for learning and understanding the course material rather than just for them to check off the box that they have completed another required course. Using a variety of teaching styles based on the content can keep the class interesting and the student excited about learning something new. The more a student can personally relate to the information being taught can motivate a student as well. Teaching to each student's personality type, in a way that they can understand the material from their perception, also increases motivation and excitement about a class.
In order forstudents to become motivated about course material; I believe that it is necessary to familiarize them with the course material by providing them with an agenda and overview of topics to be covered. In addition, it is necessary to give solid examples of how the course material can be applied to future employment. Onc estudents gain an understanding that the subject material will benefit them in the future; they seem to be more engaged.
Hi Nancy,
Good point and I feel that way as well. We can influence our students by being excited about our field and having the opportunity shape lives.
Gary
I think it starts with being able to translate my enthusiasm for my career to them. I can do this by using personal examples of certain ideas and techniques. I believe that if I provide constant reminders of what the ultimate goal is, not only academically, but what it actually "feels like", they can be motivated to look forward to the final prize of a professional career.
Hi Donna,
What are some of the ways you show your students how much you care about your field and enjoy teaching?
Gary
I feel one of the first things is to find out what kind of learners are in your classroom. If you have visual learners, add power points, pictures, anything that would help them learn visually. Others may be tactile learners that you may need hands on learning to get the point across. Still others may be auditory learners that lecture may be the best. The trick will be incorporating the different styles into your teaching.
Love what you do.
Have knoledge about what you do.
One motivates students by creating an environment in which they see themselves attaining their professional goals in whatever setting they are (high schoolers aiming for college admission, college students aiming for graduate schools, trade students getting prepared for technical jobs on the "outside world," etc). This motivaional environment can be promulgated by: showing examples of people like them who have already attained their same goals; illustrating what the specific benefits would be for succeeding after working hard; bringing in an occasional speaker (a "live body") to explain the ups and downs had in the process; and by providing positive feedback to students which encourages even more responses and work. That's a first step. Marc
Hi Kou,
That connection is so important for the students to make. Your approach helps them to see the value of the content you are teaching them. You are giving them application and relevancy strategies in helping them to pull on their background experiences and the use of everyday examples.
Gary
I try to relate the subject to something that the students are familiar with. For example, I teach accounting and one thing in accounting are preparing bank recs. I related that to the student's own bank accounts and how they go about balancing their checking accounts at the end of the month. This motivates them to do it because now it has become familiar.
I find it that it's easier to accomplish something if you are familiar with it.
I think the first class is very important. I try to show them all of the things they will be exposed to, and hopefully learn. By telling them in general terms what they will learn by the end of the class. I try to approach it as a learning experience as opposed to a list of chores and assignments.
I like to motivate my students by giving them a warm welcome, pump them up and get them excited about the course content, tell then that I am their cheerleader and will help them succeed. Also, I like to give them tips that will help them be successful in the class. I also allow my passion and enthusiasm to show during the course, which is motivational to my students. In addition, I provide feedback that is quanitative and qualitative and always remind that they can accomplish anything with hard work and determination.
Hi Amy,
Using this approach really helps the students to see the relevancy and application of what they are learning since they get to connect it with their prior life experiences.
Gary
Thanks again. I like the idea of frequent evaluations. I think it keeps both myself and the student on track on a consistent basis to make sure we are both moving toward the common goal of academic success.
