With respect to demonstrations: for example in the Dental Materials course students will have an opportunity to tactically manipulate various dental materials. This will allow them to learn the consistancy, color, temperature and setting sequence of them.
In addtion the method of using the materials will be learned.
Keep the discussion interesting at all times. Maybe students can have role playing, games, or projects.
Students like to hear stories especially those wherein they can apply what they learned in the classroom. The relevance/benefits in the lives of the students of what we are teaching will motivate the students to listen and study more.
Hi Sharlynn,
You can't emphasize this too much. Great point. Passion really helps to "sell" students on becoming engaged and starting on a success trail.
Gary
Teaching students something new and interesting on the first day helps to motivate new students.
I think having passion about your career & the specific subjects you are teaching is invaluable in education. Even if the topic is dry & boring, find a way to impart the subject matter in a creative, fun way to keep the students from zoning out.
Hi Leslie,
Well said. With the many distractions that can occur in the lives of the students to have someone in authority encourage them is so important. In many cases it means the difference between continuing and dropping out.
Gary
Students need encouragement.Without it there can be a slowdown toward in attaining a goal.
Bringing in guest speakers that can share their success stories also helps in motivating students.
Being sensitive to personal issues of students. Let students know you care.
By providing guest speakers from their field
Hi Sasha,
Thank you for sharing this great information. You have hit upon all of the needed areas for a comprehensive approach to teaching. This information will be of great value to other instructors.
Gary
One great Philosophy I learned and now applying in it in my day to day work as a Nurse theory and Clinical Instructor is following the Fish Philosophy. Fish Philosophy is consist of four concepts that if applied can help students become motivated and excited about their learning experience. The four concepts of Fish Philosophy include: "Make thier Day", which means make each student in the class feel important, "Be There",as an instructor, we have to be present both mentally and physically while completing the task of instructing and facilitating our class. Third, is " Chhosing our Attitude". Motivation among learners is influenced by how we instructor choose our attitude. We have control over our attitude while dealing with students. Choosing our attitude towards what is presented to us in unexpected way will enable us to continue or not in our task in a given time. It is our attitude that will make us or break us as they say. Motivating learners also include the ability to incorporate play. This will add fun to the daily routine of instruction. As instructors, our commitment towards our students learning is reflected in our daily interaction. Being focused and attentive to students' need will reflect our sincerity, thus students will be able to see that through our actions and in return provides them the ability to respond to it. Thus, most of the time students provide a positive feedback.
Activities that we could follow in motivating learners include:
1. Starting and ending our class/instruction
on time.
2. Explaining what are the objectives of the
course for the day prior to starting
lecturing or discussing the subject
matter.
3. Explaining why certain
assignments are given and explain thier
relationship and importance in meeting
course objectives of the course.
4. Allowing students or learners to make
choices, giving them options and
flexibility in their assignments as long
as the standard and requirements of
the course are followed and met.
5. Encourage self -expression and
originality as well as
creativity among the students.
6. Keeping what is being said or promised.
7. Negotiate learning goals with the
learners at the beginning of the
instruction and ensure that objectives
and expectations are presented in a clear
and understandable manner.
8. Assess learner's progress regularly and
provide encouragement and assistance when
noted their is an area that requires
further attention.
8. Allow learners to share thier ideas and
learn from each other.
9. Provide feedback to learners in the
class. Provide emphasis on thier positive
attributes but do not forget to
acknowledge where further improvement is
needed.
10. Provide recognition to some learners who
are showing extra effort in their
studying.
These are the few things I remembered helped me in my instruction and enabled me to help students succeed while under my instructions in both theory and clinical instructions.
I agree with this as well. Adult learners are to be commended. Some students are continuing on in their education and some are taking a new direction in their career. They are leaving their comfort zones and are aware of the hard work that lies ahead trying to juggle family, work and studying. All the time wondering if the goal will be able to be attained. It is so important to let the students know we are here to help them reach their goals at school and out in their career path.
It is always important to remind students of the bigger picture. Taking them on a class trip to see professionals in their respective field "working in action" can be a great motivator for their learning.
You can set up a survey or questionnaire about their likes and dislikes according to career and personal interest. After reading the responses, you can use certain key elements that you find and incorporate them into the lesson and the activities. Using various learning styles could help: lecture, visual, modeling the instructor and exams.
Share personal experiences from the field with them, to demonstrate why learning the course objectives is really important
Hi Maurine,
I love hearing these stories. One teacher had such an impact as to shape the career of a young woman for years and now that woman is a part of shaping the careers of other new professionals. Talk about a legacy that one teacher has created. This is what teaching is about.
Gary
I too went to nursing school long, long ago and most of my instructors either lectured at us or demonstrated and we were to just watch and absorb. Many students dropped out along the way. One young teacher - in her first year teaching - was also working on her master's when she taught us so she was a student also. She had more empathy for us, I guess. She related her learning experiences along the way as we struggled and how it was a struggle for her but learning it helped her move on to some other task. She "talked" with us rather than lectured us and made the course real. No one gave up in her class. I have tried to use the fact of always being a student myself to remember and to have more empathy to help my students be and stay motivated - talk with them and letting them know that I struggled with this or that helps them see it can be done...if I could do it, they certainly can. Thanks to one teacher that took the difference in approach, I am still a nurse and now helping other new nurses stick with it to learn to be great nurses.
I remind the students that employers want employees with excellent written and oral communication skills and that learning how to use persuasive language can be a powerful tool.
Hi Rhonda,
You are right on with your planning. This way you will engage the learners and keep them focus on learning while providing support to their instructional needs.
Gary
I plan to motivate students by showing enthusiasm for the course materials. I plan to get some idea regarding student interests and life outside of school so that I may strive to highlight particular areas of interest. Relevant or current event stories are always a good thng. Motivation also results from making students believe their work is worthwhile and contributions appreciated.
