One way is to bring in speakers, that work in the field. The main way to help is that you have to be motivated about the course, if you want the students to be motivated and excited about the course.
another way is to know the subject at hand.
Hi Natalie,
You make a number of good comments about how to keep students engaged in the learning process. Acquiring an education is an ongoing process so each time they do make a mistake they are adding to their education. It is our job to make sure they see that rather than they didn't achieve what they wanted to the first time they did a project.
Gary
Dr. Meers
The most important thing, I believe to be an effective instructor is to keep students motivated. Positive reinforcement is a good motivator. Many students have defeatist attitude, for whatever reason, and it is important to understand that not doing something perfect is not considered a failure, it is a learning experience.
Hi Debbi,
This is such a powerful motivator. By using their knowledge you are reinforcing their value to the class and this helps them build the self confidence needed to be successful.
Gary
For adult learners, I use their knowledge. They have information and want to share their knowledge and expertise. Let them. By allowing adult learners the opportunity to speak and share their knowledge it shows you value them as students and respect their experinces.
Hi Edward,
What are some strategies that you use to get some insight into what is motivating your students?
Thanks.
Gary
First, look for the things that motivated that individual for comming to back school and build on those points. Second, share some of your own personal motivating points so that the student can see how it is real to you and them.
I do believe it would be hard to teach a class where you have little or no experience with the subject. I have been in that position a few times and with out the knowledge it makes it hard to feel comfortable teaching others.
Interesting topic, I never thought of the cost that might be incurred by the guest speaker and how they would be compensated for their expenses.
Hi Dera,
Thank you for sharing your life experience with being a successful student. These stories are very important to students as you well know because they think that they are the only ones that ever struggled to get through school. Once they see that their instructor has to work hard and put forth a lot of effort to be a successful student they then can see a role model for themselves. Keep sharing your stories.
Gary
The diversity of Culture is critical in healthcare, I enjoy the opportunity we share in class as we take a study period to open cultures door. What an experience, learning to respect out side of our own bounderies as we prepare our students to enter into the lives of people from around the world, with a humble appreciation for all our differences.
In introducing the topic of the senses; I allowed the students to bring Items for all of the senses; touch, smell, hear, taste, and see. everyone is participating and discovering what it is like to share information and how that information is responded to. And take the words off of the page and make them not only tangable but make them an experience.
I completed my undergraduate degree and law school by attending part-time in the evenings while holding a full-time job as a paralegal and raising my daughter as a single mother. Now, I am a successful attorney and college instructor. I have found that sharing my personal experiences and challenges with my students (and also with my legal assistants) provides motivation because it shows that you truly can accomplish whatever you set your mind to, despite the various obstacles that are certain to appear. Persistence is key.
Hi Kara,
Right you are concerning feedback. They like to know where they are in the course at all times but that is true of most of us when we are doing something new. We want to know how we are doing.
Gary
Hi Barbara,
Great to hear excitement and enthusiasm in the voice of a teacher when she is talking about one of her courses. Keep up the good work, your students will thank you for your attitude.
Gary
Hi Barbara,
It would be ideal if schools would budget money to bring guest speakers in but most don't. What I have done is to create a stable of speakers so I only have to ask the same person to come in once a year. So I don't over use them and they don't mind coming once a year.
Gary
That is something I hear from students each term. They want feedback. They want to know how they are progressing and how they measure up. It's a relatively easy way to keep them engaged and present.
In my special classes, those that I am most knowledgeable and experienced in and love, I tell them right away, they're going to LOVE IT! And they do, and I have a reputation of being the best teacher in that course.
Can you give me some ideas of new techniques you are referring to? I definitely have a variety of enthusiasm for the various classes I teach.
Good analogy. Will spend more timely time giving feedback in class as it pertains to the immediate learning and information.
