Hi Lorelle,
The more we can build on previous experiences that students have had the more connection they can see with the course. This is a good point and one that all instructors need to keep in mind as they plan their instructional delivery.
Gary
I absolutely agree. Relating stories of exactly how I used said skills, on name projects the students may recognize, really drives home the practical applications.
The interesting point that I had not thought about, was how the majority of learning takes place outside of the classroom. In future lessons, I intend to illustrate how it's important to cement these skills in place both during and directly after the class.
Try to show the value of knowing the subject matter and help the students appreciate the importance of this material in their chosen career fields. There needs to be something in it for the student. Until the student realizes there's something in it for himself or herself, there's no incentive to learn the material.
I have tried taking a little bit of time out of each lecture day to just close the books and talk about some of my success stories, and experiences and I even call this segment of the classroom " The Real World " . I have found that students are often anxiously waiting for this segment everyday, and after each session of " The Real World " I see and feel that they are Motivated and excited.
I have always been very proactive. Upon receiving my Masters Degree in Organizational Management, I proactively pursued - and fortunately landed - teaching positions with CTU Online and with another University. I have tried to model my teaching style to reflect the teaching style of teachers that I have admired. I have also been fortunate enough to take Executive Management courses over the last 5 years from top Harvard Business School faculty including Nancy Kuehn, Tom DeLong, Len Schlesinger, Jim Heskett, Jeffrey Rayport, etc. I admire their individual styles, their passion for teaching and the case study teaching approach that they all adhere to and I try to emulate their styles and interaction/engagement with students in my classroom and online teaching sessions!
Mark McMullen
Many of my family members are in the education field. Teaching is a gift that i have possessed and am greatful for it. When i first started teaching it all pretty much came natural to me and has been ever flowing since 2006.
One of the best methods to motivate learners is to make continued tie backs to their professional and personal experience. When learners can connect the materials and message back to practical applications they become confident in what they already know and are learning. Build critical thinking skills.
Lorelle Davies
Use exciting technologies - communication and collaboration have used notes, phone calls, emails, chats, tweets, .... Instructors must not stop experimenting with alternative modes of communication and students must become savvy in understanding tradeoffs of each mode. Networking is becoming a very important course resource.
Speak on some of the ways that you jump started your career as an instructor and the things that has propelled you in life.
Be positive and have group activities during each class meeting.
Bring real life situations and scenarios into play using the curriculum
Hi Mitchell,
Good point. Students need to see the application and relevancy of what they are being taught so they are ready for the real world.
Gary
Hi Mark,
This is a good point that every instructor needs to remember. It is easy just to "ramble" on about "our" experiences rather than make the critical connections needed to the topic for that day's class. Each time we get ready to share such a story we need to reflect on how application can be made.
Gary
As a practicing accountant, I routinely tell the students of things that happen during my workday, with this client or that, so that they understand that the material taught in class is EXACTLY what is going on with real people out in the "real world".
My classes, almost always evening classes, are populated with students who are working full-time, and generally in jobs they do not like or in which they do not see a future. Having been an evening student myself (grad school) I commend them highly for making the sacrifice to better themselves and their future. "Sacrifice to win!" is a phrase I use often to encourage their dream, and that the sacrifice, though difficult, will be be temporary while the rewards will last a lifetime.
Through Word Games, I encourage my students to become interested and motivated in my writing courses. . .
John Garot
Mary - I do the same. My Live Chats are typically real world applications of key weekly learning concepts! Students generally respond very well to this!
Mark McMullen
The following strategies have helped me motivate students:
* effective, detailed and frequent communication with students
* answering questions promptly
* being respectful in my posts and communication
* listening effectively
* being flexible
* adding my own personal experiences to classroom learning
* asking students to share their experiences in classroom discussions
* being passionate about what I teach - and about teaching in general!
These strategies have been very effective for me in motivating students!
Mark McMullen
Thanks for your comments, Mark. Focusing on transferrable skills really helps the student who is in transition: women who have taken time out to raise kids or those who are changng careers in our current economic times. Everyone has gifts and talents that can be treasured...
outline the material thatthey will be learning.
Share my enthusiasm for the material
Share experiences pertaining to material
Encourage questions
Media presentation
Guest lecture
Demonstration and expereince of the topic
Practical examples of material and its adaptability to real life situations
